“To delve deeper into this matter, I must first understand what brought that demon to my town,” Mayor Holston declared, the conversation resuming within the confines of the meeting room. The guards, still wary of Jaxith, the slayer of the scarlet giant, watched intently, even their hands over the sheathed swords were shaking.

“The assassin I mentioned earlier was a scarlet summoner, a fact that should concern you greatly. How could such a dangerous individual be lurking within your town’s streets? Regardless, he attempted to hunt down Irene with mere hound demons. When I confronted him and he realized his minions were insufficient, he shattered the black gem he carried, mistakenly believing it would grant him power. In reality, he sold his soul to the demon within, unleashing it upon the hills, that’s how it appeared,” Jaxith explained confidently. Irene, still fuming beside him, refused to acknowledge their presence and fixed her gaze away.

“His account aligns with our findings from this morning, Mr. Mayor. We discovered fragments of the shattered black gem,” Officer Ronald explained, producing the shards for all to see. “I believe his story is truthful. However, my primary concern is why someone so dangerous would target that girl.”

“I had hoped to find answers here, but it seems we’ve reached a dead end. Even Irene is unaware of his intentions,” Jaxith admitted, his tone grave.

“I trust this man, Ronald. He seems to be a man of integrity, not a liar or a boor, unlike some people,” Mayor Holston remarked, his words aimed directly at Irene. She met his gaze, her blue eyes ablaze with anger. The insult ignited a fire within her, her blood boiling. Jaxith, sensing her rising fury, subtly intervened.

“I believe I’ve made it clear that I disapprove of insults. You’re addressing me directly now, so kindly exclude her from this conversation. Either enlighten me as to why you’ve summoned me here, or excuse us, as I have no time for childish games,” Jaxith declared, his voice laced with a chilling seriousness.

“You have quite the guts to speak to me in such a manner, within my own mansion, surrounded by my guards. Remember, I am the ruler of this town,” Mayor Holston retorted, his tone laced with arrogance.

“I have the guts to do more than you can imagine, Mr. Mayor. You know nothing of me, remember that,” Jaxith replied, his words a stark reminder that despite the mayor’s power, he held the upper hand.

“You’re quite the daring one. I rather like that. And that’s another reason why Ronald believes you’re perfect for this task,” Mayor Holston said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Which is?” Jaxith inquired while narrowing his eyes, his curiosity piqued.

“Well, for your information, the demon you vanquished is known as a Scarlet Giant, a formidable species within the cursed Scarlet Army. Such creatures are rarely encountered, which explains why none of the soldiers dispatched yesterday, save for our experienced Officer Ronald, could identify it. To confirm his assessment, I sent our most skilled divine caster, who happens to be an expert in demonic lore, and he did verify the creature’s identity. Even he was astonished by your feat. Normally, such a task would require the prowess of a powerful divine caster or a spiritual knight. Yet, a mere human accomplished it. You must possess extraordinary abilities, wouldn’t you agree?” Mayor Holston inquired, his smile widening.

“I fail to see the relevance of this information,” Jaxith replied, his patience waning. He was eager to get to the point and discover the reason for his summons.

“That serves as the introduction to the opportunity I’m offering you both to earn my forgiveness. I need you to hunt something, hunter,” Mayor Holston declared, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Jaxith leaned back, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the mayor. He was beginning to understand why Ronald had brought him here.

“Continue,” Jaxith prompted, his voice calm and serious.

“Two days ago, a manticore was sighted on the road between here and Lumina. I assume you haven’t encountered it,” Mayor Holston explained.

“No, I haven’t noticed anything,” Jaxith replied.

“Then it must have appeared after your arrival. It attacked a merchant’s wagon, and unfortunately, the merchant didn’t survive. The guards discovered blood and the destroyed wagon, along with claw marks that identified the creature as a manticore. They also found this,” Mayor Holston said, placing a small glass vial containing a viscous purple liquid on the table. “We believe it’s the beast's poison."

“Naturally, yesterday, officer Ronald dispatched a squad of twelve soldiers to eliminate the creature, but none of them returned,” Mayor Holston revealed, his voice heavy with concern. Jaxith, still examining the vial, listened intently.

“Are you certain it’s a manticore?” Jaxith questioned, his skepticism evident.

“I am quite certain. A witness reported seeing the creature several hours before the merchant’s unfortunate demise. The town guards also confirmed hearing its distinctive roar,” Mayor Holston stated confidently.

“Twelve trained soldiers couldn’t defeat a manticore? While it’s a formidable beast, I doubt it could overcome such a force,” Jaxith mused.

“Perhaps it’s a unique specimen,” the mayor suggested.

“And this liquid? It doesn’t resemble a manticore’s poison. Manticore venom is typically black, not purple. Moreover, their saliva is colorless, like most creatures,” Jaxith observed, his curiosity piqued.

“I’m not entirely certain myself. Perhaps it’s a species we’re unfamiliar with. After all, there’s much we still don’t understand about our world,” Mayor Holston admitted.

“And I assume you want me to eliminate it,” Jaxith deduced, his gaze fixed on the mayor.

“Precisely,” Mayor Holston confirmed.

“Then why not dispatch Officer Ronald and your experienced divine caster to handle this? Why me?” Jaxith inquired, his curiosity piqued. He needed to ensure the mayor’s sincerity and rule out the possibility of a trap.

“Of course, I considered that option after the soldiers’ disappearance. However, there are two primary reasons for my decision. Firstly, they are not monster hunters. This manticore seems to be particularly dangerous and intelligent, requiring the skills of an experienced hunter like yourself. I cannot afford to risk injuring our sole saint knight in Orstone. Secondly, I cannot justify sending my most valuable assets out of town after the recent scarlet giant incident. Officer Ronald’s presence is crucial to maintain order and prevent future catastrophes, now more than anytime else. Stricter measures will be implemented from now on,” the mayor explained concisely.

“I understand,” Jaxith replied calmly, his gaze shifting to Officer Ronald.

“That makes sense. He certainly needs his most skilled knight at this time,” Jaxith mused, stroking his silver beard.

“Then I believe it’s time to discuss my payment, I am a monster hunter after all,” Jaxith declared, his gaze shifting to the mayor with a smirk.

“No, that won’t be necessary. You’re already paying for her mistake,” Mayor Holston retorted.

“I already paid that debt when I vanquished the demon. In fact, she aided me in that endeavor, which could be considered her repayment. That demon was far more stronger than a mere manticore,” Jaxith stated gravely.

“Stop playing games. You claimed to be helping her with the demon, making it your problem, not mine,” Mayor Holston insisted.

“Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I should have fled with her, leaving the demon to wreak havoc in your precious town. Your guards should have been the ones to confront it, that’s better than risking my life or hers,” Jaxith countered with a smirk.

“What do you mean?” Mayor Holston inquired, his confusion evident.

“I mean that I’ve already rendered you a significant service by preventing that demon from going down the hills and rampaging through the town. All of this transpired because of your lax security measures, allowing a scarlet summoner, an assassin, to infiltrate your town. Now, imagine the minister’s reaction if such a catastrophe had occurred. Countless innocent lives lost due to your negligence, Mr. Mayor,” Jaxith explained calmly, expertly turning the tables. Officer Ronald watched in awe, recognizing Jaxith’s true strength: not just his swordsmanship or physical prowess, but his sharp intellect. Irene, too, gazed at him with a mixture of admiration and surprise, she tried to hide all of this though.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Mayor Holston’s eyes narrowed, his irritation growing. He resented being outmaneuvered in his own domain, particularly by a young and audacious stranger. He was putting all the blame on him.

“Are you insinuating that I’m responsible for what happened?” the mayor demanded, his voice laced with menace.

“Of course. If not you, then who? As you yourself stated, you’re the ruler of this town,” Jaxith replied calmly, his tone unwavering. The mayor leaned back, stunned by the young man’s audacity. He had encountered few individuals who dared to challenge his authority, especially not within the confines of his own mansion. Such boldness was usually reserved for the powerful politicians or spiritual knights, and both of whom were rare to encounter. Jaxith was setting his own rules inside the mayor’s mansion before the mayor himself.

“I won’t pay more than fifty Plistura coins, nothing more. After all, I’m using the town’s treasury,” the mayor declared, his annoyance palpable.

“Typically, I command a higher fee for my services, but I’m a generous soul and won’t let personal gain compromise the safety of the people,” Jaxith declared proudly.

“You’re quite clever, hunter. And I must admit, I despise intelligent individuals, especially those who believe they’re superior to me,” the mayor retorted, his tone laced with menace.

“I told you, Mr. Mayor. You know little about me. Seems you’ve already forgotten that,” Jaxith reminded him, his voice low and ominous.

“I have not,” the mayor insisted, his anger palpable.

“Excellent. Then I believe we’ve concluded our business. I can obtain the necessary information from Officer Ronald, correct?” Jaxith inquired.

“Of course,” the mayor replied, his voice slightly strained. Both men stood, followed by Irene, who remained distant, her anger still simmering. She feared that if she approached the mayor, she might lose control and lash out. As Jaxith and the mayor shook hands, a firm grip tightened around the mayor’s hand.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Mayor. I hope the task will be completed to your satisfaction,” Jaxith said with a polite smile.

“We shall see,” the mayor replied, attempting to maintain his composure despite the increasing pressure on his hand. However, Jaxith’s grip intensified, threatening to crush his hand!

“By the way, Irene will be staying here until I return. I hope nothing untoward happens to her, or I will be very displeased,” Jaxith warned, his smile turning into a cold, predatory grin. His eyes, a chilling shade of scarlet, bore into the mayor’s soul. The mayor, suddenly feeling a surge of fear, realized the true nature of the man before him. This was no ordinary hunter, but a force to be reckoned with. His eyes looked like they were created just to spread terror.

“Don’t fret, she’s in safe hands. I assure you she’ll receive the same deference she was accustomed to under your care," the mayor declared, his voice strained as he stifled his agony. His hand throbbed as if its bones were dissolving.

“Excellent, very well. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a task to attend to,” Jaxith replied, withdrawing his hand from the mayor’s grasp. The mayor exhaled in relief as the excruciating pain subsided. He couldn’t believe he had just been so brazenly threatened in front of his own men, and yet, he hadn’t flinched. In fact, the mayor realized that his men were even afraid of Jaxith, that’s because he had slain a creature far more formidable than the manticore he was about to face, a creature that even his own men had been powerless against.

Jaxith turned and walked towards the door, and Irene followed close behind, her footsteps echoing softly in the corridor. As they stepped out of the room, they headed towards their own room.

“You did well there, that bastard deserved to taste your cunning. You totally outsmarted him, good job,” Irene said proudly.

Jaxith, still walking, replied without looking at her, “The same can’t be told to you.”

“What do you mean by that?” Irene asked, her expression turning exclamatory.

Jaxith’s tone turned serious as he asked, “Irene, why haven’t you told me about insulting the mayor?”

“Not you too, come on, that wasn’t an insult. I was just messing with him,” Irene replied, dismissing the incident as insignificant.

Jaxith’s frustration was evident as he retorted, “Messing with him? You knew you were talking to the mayor. Calling him ‘chunky’ in front of his guards is a one-way trip to prison. You made fun of his weight, you messed with the wrong person, and above all, you lied to me.”

“What is all this nonsense? And I didn’t lie about anything,” Irene said, her anger growing. However, Jaxith wasn’t ready to end the conversation. He wanted her to understand the potential danger of omitting important details.

“I told you to tell me exactly what happened between you and the mayor,” Jaxith said in a serious tone. “I asked you again if you had insulted him, and you confirmed that nothing like that happened. Clear as a white flower?”

“That wasn’t necessary to mention, okay?” Irene shouted, stopping in front of their room. “And why are you blaming me? He is the one who insulted me. I was just mocking him, not racializing someone because THEY WERE BORN THAT WAY.”

“Lower your voice. You need to have better control of your temper. A few simple words shouldn’t do this to you,” Jaxith said seriously. “And what wasn’t necessary to mention? I made a plan based on your account. It was going to end this problem smoothly. Now, I’m surprised by your dishonesty, and I had to rely on cunning to deal with him. Instead of making an ally, we’ve made an enemy. You need to understand this isn’t a game. Now, I’m going to fight whatever is out there to end this problem and ensure he doesn’t tell any important politician about you, increasing suspicion and making it easier for whoever is after you to find you.”

“Then sorry for being the bad girl who always messes up your plans, smart boy,” Irene retorted angrily. “And what did you just say? YOU are going to fight?”

“You’re staying here,” Jaxith said sternly.

“That’s not gonna happen. I need to be better. That manticore is weaker than the demon, so it’s a good chance to improve myself,” Irene said angrily.

“I wouldn’t have let you there if I knew we were going to encounter that demon,” Jaxith replied, amazed by her sudden change in attitude. “And improving yourself by fighting a manticore isn’t a good idea either. Being weaker doesn’t mean it’s easy; it’s even faster. It would be dangerous. Staying here is safer for you, and that’s not up for discussion.”

“Again, ‘safer for me’? I told you I’m not a kid. I can depend on myself,” Irene retorted furiously. “So what were we talking about a while ago before meeting that asshole? Now it’s better to stay here? Just tell me why you’re helping me if you can’t trust me in anything.”

“I won’t discuss that again. That conversation is done. To your room, young girl, now,” Jaxith said sternly, needing to stop her.

“Then you shouldn’t have started it from the beginning,” Irene retorted, slamming the door behind her.

Jaxith stood there, composing himself. As time passed, he grew increasingly aware of Irene’s stubborn nature. He sighed deeply.

“Having trouble managing the young girl?” Officer Ronald inquired, emerging from behind Jaxith.

“Finally, you’ve appeared. You’ve been lurking behind that wall for quite some time,” Jaxith replied, his gaze still fixed on the door.

“I didn’t realize your senses were so acute. I was quite stealthy, approaching to convey a message. However, I overheard the commotion and decided to wait,” Officer Ronald explained politely.

“As I mentioned to the mayor, you know little about me,” Jaxith replied, glancing briefly at Officer Ronald.

“But I do know that you’re struggling to cope with her,” Officer Ronald remarked, nodding towards the door.

“I’m doing my best,” Jaxith replied calmly, turning his gaze back to the door.

“And that’s not enough, if you’ll excuse my candor. Listen, I don’t care why you’re involving yourself with her, but you're a good man. So, let me impart this wisdom: that girl trusts you, but she needs to feel that you trust her. Coupled with her obvious temper, this dynamic will inevitably lead to conflict whenever she perceives a lack of trust from you," Officer Ronald advised before Jaxith turned to face him.

“Then what do you suggest?” Jaxith inquired calmly.

“As a father, I’d advise you to be more forthcoming with her. Try to foster a deeper understanding between the two of you. Most importantly, she needs to feel your trust. It’s clear she’s not the pampered type; she’s a thief. Try to involve her in simpler tasks, like hunting, to prevent her from feeling like a weakling. While you’re right to protect her from the manticore, perhaps a more modest challenge, like a weaker monster, could help her contribute and strengthen your bond. Overprotectiveness can hinder your relationship. She’s not a delicate high-society lady; she’s a girl who dared to mock the mayor in his own mansion, surrounded by his guards, after stealing his ring. Do you understand?” Officer Ronald explained. Jaxith gazed at the door, pondering the events and Ronald’s advice.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Jaxith replied, his gaze fixed on Officer Ronald.

“Good. Now, for the primary reason for my visit: your horse is ready, equipped with a bag containing two days’ worth of supplies, though I doubt you’ll need that much time. Now, tell me about the equipment you require,” Officer Ronald stated.

“Nothing,” Jaxith declared confidently.

“But you’re only carrying your sword. Is there something hidden within that coat?” Officer Ronald inquired, his expression quizzical.

“I only need my sword,” Jaxith reiterated, his tone unwavering.

“Well, it’s not my concern. You’re the expert. Ready now?” Officer Ronald asked.

“After you,” Jaxith replied, and the two began to walk.

“By the way, pardon my curiosity, but I have a simple question,” Officer Ronald said.

“Go ahead,” Jaxith responded.

“Mr. Desmond informed me that you’ve never accepted payment from the villagers of Lumina for eliminating local monsters. Instead, you solely sell valuable monster parts, unlike typical monster hunters who demand payment upfront. So, why are you demanding payment this time?” Officer Ronald inquired as they approached the mansion’s entrance, where a horse and a soldier awaited.

“I was conducting a little experiment. You’ll understand in due time,” Jaxith replied, mounting the horse.

“Very well. There’s a map in the bag, marking the initial sighting of the manticore and the location of the merchant’s attack,” Officer Ronald explained as Jaxith retrieved the map and examined it.

“Good. I must depart. Keep Irene safe,” Jaxith commanded, urging his horse forward.

“Good luck, and I’ll ensure her safety,” Officer Ronald replied, acknowledging Jaxith’s taciturn nature. It mattered little, as long as the beast was eradicated.