I remember seeing a small town from that time from the race. Going outside the building you are immediately greeted with a view. There was a path going down just to the side from where I exited, I followed this way down carefully going down the steps.
It was a pretty long way till I reached the ground but this path was safer and faster to get through at least. We don't have training for two days once every week, and while I would like to use this time to rest. It would be best to familiarize myself with this place first.
The path down was very peaceful. The trees swayed from the slight breeze as the vibrant green on its branches rustled along with the bushes. There were fences laid down on the narrow path ensuring a secure way to go down. The pathway itself was continuous without a single fork on the way, easily allowing me to reach flat ground in no time.
The town was quite ordinary though quite a few things caught my attention. Among the small houses around the center of the town was the commercial area. Typically restaurants and shops were in this part of town, all of it seemed normal until I got to a certain place where everything seemed to have a dramatic shift in vibe.
Strange shops selling curious trinkets displayed on windows like [Bird Talon Scepters] were showcased on a stand sideways. Going into the store there were many other strange items inside of small vials on shelves. The items were interesting to say the least as well as the people who shopped in the store. Most of them have strange traits such as longer ears, tails, some even had scales growing on their skin. It was rude to stare so I immediately left just to avoid any nasty encounters.
I went on exploring the town for a little while longer aimlessly moving around the road while looking at various signs and posters. This part of town in particular seemed to aim for a specific group in general. Even the stores for clothing accounted for people who had extra body parts.
Distracted by the stimulating streets I accidentally collided with someone else forcing me to recoil. I was able to regain my composure as I managed to plant my feet to counteract the sudden force.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going.”
The man I bumped into towered over me. His face scrunched to a frown as he snapped his head back at me.
“Oh my bad! Sorry I wasn't paying attention.” I try to defuse the situation, raising my hands and motioning him to calm down.
He stared with one eyebrow raised, a curious look replaced his initially angry face while he put one of his hands on his chin while squinting his eyes before eventually putting them on his hips now showing off a smug vibe.
“Oh- no it’s ok, no need for that I also overreacted”
I get an easier look at his features. His black hair was dyed with streaks of blue, as well as a tattoo on his neck akin to some sort of eye. An oddly specific choice I thought until I remembered the image of a Stigma from the guidebook.
“Oh! You’re an agent. Then you must be my senior!” Judging from his equipment, he seemed pretty high ranking. Ranks are split between stars going up to ten ranks. Trainees start off with one star and Overseers range between eight to ten. You become an official Agent by the time you obtain your second star to your seventh.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“Hm? Well that’s unexpected. Wasn’t expecting a shrimp like you to be part of Siris.” The mocking tone of his voice shows that he doesn’t exactly take me seriously. He left shortly after his face never stopped showing arrogance.
I don't like him. best avoid that guy for as long as I can. Something about his arrogance doesn’t sit right with me.
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CountDown gathered all four of us into one place today to a forest enclosed by a wall. The wall spanned far, it would probably take a whole day to circle it by foot. I brought with me a small gun embedded with a bead the size of a marble on the side of the barrel. A few magazines, and a knife with the same bead.
Both of the beads had the same effect of applying force and wind onto the equipment upon usage. Using this, my hand gun can output more power and my knife can do ranged slicing and stabbing attacks. I may not have a Stigma, but I have a decent amount of Essence. To use anything related to magic you need a conduit which are typically monster cores and an innate capacity to hold Essence.
“You’re first monster hunt! How is everyone feeling today? Excited? Nervous? Come on, give me some details people!” He excitedly asked everyone as the clock-like lines in his irises quickly did full laps repeatedly.
It was off putting to see a middle aged man act exactly like a child would when excited repeatedly asking questions while not giving the other person in question time to think. Luckily Rein stopped him asking the real question.
“What are we hunting?” He asked straight to the point. Giving no room for any distractions.
“Yeah! What monster butt are we kicking today!” He excitedly gripped his sword, swinging it around imitating moves you would see from movies, almost hitting Alice who was just right behind him.
“Hey! Watch where you’re swinging that thing around!”
“Oh- Woops.”
“Now I brought Dan here, someone who I train personally, to compete against you all at the same time to see who can eliminate the monster first.” he pats his back as he explains.
There he goes again with his antics, Today’s training also seems like it will be a tough one. I make sure to double check my things making sure I didn't leave anything behind. Magazine stored in a bag strapped onto my thighs, A holster for the handgun on the opposite side, and the knife sheathed on my hips for easy access.
Alice didn’t bring any equipment aside from slight padding to give herself more protection, William only brought a sword, while Rein was heavily geared in armor with his arms holding heavy spiked gauntlets. I’ll have to compensate for my lack of abilities using more advanced equipment in the future.
After we were done prepping for the exercise, the Gate slowly opened giving us access. Tags with a barrier enchantment were attached to our clothing just in case, CountDown explains that once the shield activates we are out and are immediately out for the rest of the match.
I looked at our competitor again and realized that his eyes were on me in particular during the explanation, seemingly thinking of something. My eyes widen as I realize that he is the same guy from town last time as I shrunk back to get out of his view.
“Hey.”
“Oh. Hey.” I replied back to him not wanting to be rude.
“Wasn’t expecting to meet you so soon.” There he goes with his aura brimming with confidence. It was hard not to find him frustrating to interact with.
What does he want from me anyway?
“Must suck.”
“...What does?”
“You know, being in this team. Just some ragtag group who don't know what they’re doing.”
My face tightened as I heard his belittling comments. I may not have been with these people for long but hearing his belittling made me uncomfortable anyway.
“Well good luck anyway. Miss.” He went to another spot farther away from our group afterwards. He showed his back to me while he waved without looking.
Wait, did he just call me Miss?