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Two days later, the nominations and voting phase officially ended, giving way to the next step: the assembly.
Starting that morning, alchemist workshops across the regions posted lists of the eight hunters with the most votes from each region. These chosen hunters had one week to travel to their region’s capital kingdom, where a special mana rail station awaited. From there, they, along with spectators, would board a train bound for the heart of the Mainland—the Hunter Tower.
For Renn, being in the east while her nomination came from the west, exceptions were made. Pelladia’s alchemist workshop staff arranged for her to board their region’s mana rail, ensuring her participation in the upcoming tournament.
With a week to prepare, Renn took the opportunity to continue her search for the remaining descendants of the legendary heroes. During that time, Arthur insisted she needed a fresh look for the tournament and brought her to a local clothing shop in Pelladia.
Inside, Arthur leaned casually against a wall, arms crossed, while Jess, unable to contain her excitement, wandered through the aisles of clothes.
“Whoa…” Jess whispered, her wide eyes sparkling as she admired the elegant garments. She ran her fingers over the fabric, marveling at their fine textures and intricate designs.
Arthur chuckled at her awe. “Those are nice, huh? Too bad they’re for girls, though.”
Jess froze and turned to him with a nervous laugh, scratching the back of her neck. “Y-yeah, you’re right! Ahaha…” Her heart raced as she remembered Renn was the only one here who knew her secret.
Before Arthur could press further, the sound of shifting curtains drew their attention. Renn emerged from the changing room, her new outfit transforming her usual rough-and-ready look into something polished and striking. She wore a fitted white shirt tucked into sleek black pants, paired with sturdy leather boots. Over it all was a long, short-sleeved blue coat with a hood, its industrial-style details reflecting Pelladia’s flair mixed with Alchemist Corp’s cutting-edge design. A utility belt cinched the coat at her waist, emphasizing its tailored fit.
Jess’s jaw dropped, and she sprinted forward. “Whoa! You look so cool, big sis!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Renn blushed faintly, fidgeting with the leather gloves on her hands. “Y-you think so?”
Arthur stepped closer, his eyes scanning her new look with approval. “Your old clothes have seen better days. This one gives you the right image for the Hunter Guild’s new ‘rising star.’ Don’t you think?”
Renn glanced over her shoulder, twisting to catch the coat’s flow. “I like it. Not really used to long coats, but it feels easy enough to move in. And the hood’s a nice touch.”
“Great,” Arthur said, turning to the shopkeeper, who had been watching them with a pleased smile. “We’ll take this one.”
After settling the payment, the trio stepped outside into the warm sunlight. The streets of Pelladia were busier than ever, humming with excitement as the Hunter Guild Tourney loomed closer. Merchants shouted over the din, promoting tournament-themed goods, while travelers hurried about, eager to catch a glimpse of the chosen hunters.
“So, what now?” Arthur asked, arms crossed as he squinted against the sunlight. “Are we still tracking down the master craftsman?”
“Yeah,” Renn replied, pulling out the mana scanner she’d borrowed from the workshop. “We’ve still got time before the tournament starts. Speaking of which…”
She turned to Arthur with a teasing smirk. “Who would’ve thought the prince of Pelladia didn’t make the top eight hunters in the east?”
Arthur forced a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks for the reminder. I told you—I’m not a great fighter. And for your information, I only started hunting last year.”
“I only started four months ago.”
“Okay, okay, no need to flex.”
Jess stifled a laugh at their banter and decided to interject. “So, that thing can find the master craftsman?” she asked, pointing to the scanner in Renn’s hand.
“Kind of,” Renn said, turning the device over in her hands. “It scans Mana waves and checks how similar they are to the heroes’ waves. The closer the match, the more likely someone is a descendant.”
Jess tilted her head, clearly intrigued but not fully grasping the concept. “Can I try it?”
“Sure, let’s see what you’ve got,” Renn said, crouching to point the scanner at Jess. As the device clicked and beeped, Renn called out the results with exaggerated enthusiasm, as if they were playing with a toy.
“Let’s see… 6% match with Garland… 4% with Delphine… oh, 11% with Edgar!” Renn’s playful commentary continued as she cycled through the seven legendary heroes’ Mana waves, while Jess giggled, her curiosity only growing.
…But then, Renn’s playful demeanor abruptly halted. Her finger froze mid-button press. “Ah.”
Arthur, who had been watching her antics with an amused smirk, straightened up. “What’s up? Did you break the scanner already?”
“Maybe?” Renn’s tone wavered as she pressed the buttons more deliberately and ran another scan on Jess. Her brow furrowed, the earlier playfulness fading into concentration.
Jess tilted her head, a mix of curiosity and concern crossing her face. “Is something wrong, big sis?”
“Not exactly…” Renn muttered, her dark blue eyes glued to the screen. Her lips tightened as though unsure whether to share what she was seeing.
Arthur leaned over her shoulder to get a look. His eyes widened slightly. “58% match with Garmos?” His voice dropped to a low murmur, tinged with surprise. “That’s… high.”
“Yeah…” Renn’s voice barely rose above a whisper as her gaze shifted from the screen to Jess. “Let’s go see your dad.”
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At Marko’s blacksmith shop, the rhythmic clang of hammer against steel echoed through the air. The acrid scent of molten metal and coal hung thickly in the room. Marko wiped his brow and turned as the door creaked open. He raised a soot-streaked hand in greeting. “Oh, hey! Nice outfit, Renn. Looking sharp.”
Renn didn’t return the compliment. Instead, she strode toward him, gripping the scanner tightly. “Marko,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. “I need to ask you something.”
Marko arched a brow, his gaze flickering between Renn, Arthur, and Jess. “What’s on your mind?”
Renn hesitated for a heartbeat before blurting out, “Are you Garmos’ descendant?”
The question hung heavy in the air. Marko’s expression shifted from surprise to a reluctant smile. He sighed, setting his hammer aside. “So, you figured it out, huh?”
“You knew?” Renn’s voice rose, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
Marko scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. “Fighting’s never really been my thing, you know? I’m better with a hammer and forge than swinging a sword.”
“That’s not the point!” Renn stepped closer, her eyes blazing. “We need your help! Those guys are trying to bring the ancient beasts back. Your powers—”
Marko cut her off with a calm but firm voice. “Didn’t you bring down that massive beast before? Using the weapon I made for you?”
Renn hesitated, taken aback by his response. “Well… yes.”
“And did you need the other descendants to help you back then?”
“…No.” Her voice was softer now, her frustration giving way to doubt.
Marko turned away, running a hand over one of the completed weapons displayed in his shop. “We’ve come a long way since those old legends. Back then, heroes might’ve been needed. But now? What we need are the tools. Weapons strong enough to slay monsters, no matter who wields them.” He turned back to face her, his gaze steady and resolute. “That’s what our era is about.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Renn’s fists clenched at her sides. She wanted to argue, but Marko’s reasoning held a solid point. The world didn’t just need heroes; it needed weapons, resources, and people to wield them. Still, she couldn’t shake her fear. “The enemy can extract heroes’ Mana,” she said quietly, her voice trembling with a mix of urgency and desperation. “Even if you don’t fight, just keeping Garmos’ Mana with you could make a difference. It’ll be safer that way—for everyone.”
Marko held her gaze for a long moment. Then, without a word, he turned back to his forge, picking up the unfinished blade he’d been working on. His silence spoke louder than words.
Arthur cleared his throat, breaking the tense quiet. “So, what’s next?”
“I’ll head to the Hunter Tower.” Renn put the scanner back in her pocket and walked toward the door. Her voice was calm but carried a finality that left no room for debate. “I’ll manage on my own from here. Thanks for the clothes.”
Arthur gave her a lopsided grin. “Take care of yourself out there.”
Renn nodded but kept moving, her steps firm. As she reached the door, Jess’s small voice called out. “Big sis…”
Renn glanced back, her usual warm smile softening her expression. “I’ll be fine. You stay out of trouble and listen to your dad, okay?”
Jess hesitated before nodding. “Okay…”
The door creaked shut behind her, the bustling noise of the street swallowing her departure. Arthur followed a few moments later, giving Jess a reassuring pat on the head as he left. “Look after yourself, kiddo.”
Left alone with her father, Jess glanced at him, hoping for reassurance. But Marko had already turned back to his work, the hammer’s clang resonating through the shop. Jess lingered for a moment, biting her lip before retreating to her room upstairs, shutting the door quietly behind her.
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Renn sighed, her steps heavy as she made her way to the mana rail station. Marko’s refusal to help still weighed on her, but there was no time to dwell. The Hunter Guild Tourney wasn’t tied to the cults or the descendants she sought, yet she wanted to experience it firsthand at least once. If nothing else, it was a distraction.
Upon arriving at the station, she noticed its unusual color scheme. Unlike the typical blue-green tones, this one was drenched in deep reds, its bold hues adding an air of intensity and danger.
There, a crowd had gathered. Intrigued, Renn weaved her way through, muttering apologies until she reached the front.
There he was again—Siegfried—standing at the center of the commotion alongside two others, likely fellow participants. The trio basked in the crowd’s cheers, Siegfried especially drawing admiration with his poised demeanor and easy smile.
It wasn’t long before his golden eyes landed on Renn. “Ah, Your Majesty,” he greeted smoothly.
The crowd hushed, heads turning toward Renn as her identity dawned on them. Siegfried approached, every step as measured and graceful as ever.
“An early bird, I see,” he said with a faint smile, his gaze sweeping over her outfit. “You’ve still got six days to prepare. No need to rush.”
Renn managed a chuckle, brushing off her earlier disappointment. “I know. I just wanted to see the center of the Mainland while I had the chance—explore a bit before everything kicks off. If that’s even allowed.”
“Of course,” Siegfried said, his smile widening. “The restrictions were mostly for safety—monsters, you see. Even under the Hunter Guild’s control, they remain dangerous. But someone like you should have no trouble. In fact…” He placed a hand over his chest, his tone dipping into something almost theatrical. “I’d be honored to give you a personal tour.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, particularly among the women, their disbelief audible in hushed murmurs.
Renn blinked, startled. “Y-you’re serious? You really don’t have to—”
“I insist.” His voice lowered as he leaned closer, his breath brushing her ear. “There’s something I need to ask you. In private.”
Renn stiffened, her face heating as she pulled back slightly. “Eh?”
Straightening, Siegfried’s smile returned, composed as ever. “Shall we? To the center of the Mainland?” He gestured toward the entrance of the mana train carriage, as polished and dramatic as his every other movement.
“Right… let’s go,” she said, stepping forward to follow him. A thought struck her, and she hesitated. “Wait. Shouldn’t you have a bird? Garuda, wasn’t it?”
Siegfried paused at the carriage door, glancing skyward before meeting her gaze. “Ah, yes. She’ll follow from above, keeping the monsters at bay once we reach the center region.”
“That’s… considerate,” Renn murmured, impressed despite herself.
With that, they boarded the crimson mana train, followed by spectators and participants alike. Their journey to the center of the Mainland, far southwest of Pelladia, had begun.
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The red mana rail stations only operated in the mornings, ensuring passengers reached the center region before nightfall. Due to this strict schedule and their exclusive use during the triannual Hunter Guild Tourney, these stations were equipped with the finest Mana cores, enabling mana trains to achieve top speeds safely.
Inside the carriage, Renn sat beside Siegfried, her silver staff in hands and her nerves prickling from the occasional glances cast their way. Siegfried attempted to ease the tension with light conversation, but his proximity remained overwhelming.
It wasn’t just Siegfried drawing attention, though. Other hunters greeted Renn warmly, asking about her life as a hunter. She had assumed the easterners would regard her with skepticism, considering her status as a western participant, but to her surprise, they were open and friendly. Perhaps her title as queen of Veledot carried more weight than she had anticipated.
Hours passed, and the train made its first stop at a city near the eastern border for lunch. As Renn disembarked, she noticed the train tracks extending past the border, unlike regular mana rail lines.
Siegfried, noticing her curiosity, said, “The center region is far more dangerous than any other place. Traveling by mana train is much safer than going on foot. Come, let’s eat.”
“Oh, um, okay.” Renn followed hesitantly, still aware of the many eyes watching her and Siegfried.
At a local restaurant, they were seated at a small table, just the two of them. When the food arrived, Renn’s face lit up. “Whoa…”
Her enthusiasm for the meal drew a quiet chuckle from Siegfried, who watched her with a faint smile. Noticing his gaze, she blushed slightly. “I-is something wrong?”
“Not at all.” He shook his head. “You just aren’t the kind of queen I expected. It’s… refreshing.”
He picked up his utensils with a grace that seemed effortless, every movement precise and practiced. Renn, acutely aware of her own lack of refinement, felt a little defeated watching him, but quickly redirected her focus to the food and began eating.
As she ate, her gaze drifted to the bustling street outside. People moved about their day in peace, but something caught her attention. Among a group boarding the red mana train, faint Mana signatures flickered—multiple sources, faint but unmistakably higher than what an ordinary human should possess.
“Is something wrong?” Siegfried’s voice pulled her back to the present.
“Huh? Oh, uh, nothing.” She turned her eyes back to the window, trying to sound nonchalant. “I think I was just… seeing things.”
Siegfried’s brow arched in subtle intrigue, but he chose not to press her.
They finished their meal and returned to the train, resuming their journey toward the Hunter Tower. Renn’s unease lingered, and she stayed hyper-aware of her surroundings, earning a few sidelong glances from Siegfried. Though he didn’t comment, his suspicion was evident.
After several more hours, the train finally arrived at a small town nestled near the towering structure that dominated the horizon—the Hunter Tower. Excitement rippled through the carriages as the passengers caught sight of the imposing landmark long before the train came to a stop.
As Renn stepped off the train, the sheer number of hunters roaming the small town caught her attention. Each seemed seasoned, their movements and presence exuding confidence. The scene was a blend of these formidable figures and excited spectators mingling under the darkening sky as the station emptied.
Just as Renn took her first step forward, a flock of unfamiliar birds soared overhead, their harmonious cries echoing across the town before fading into the fiery orange horizon.
Her jaw slackened in awe. As the crowd dispersed, other sounds began to filter through—the chirping of insects, the distant cries of animals from the nearby jungle, and birds perched serenely on the rooftops. It felt as though the town wasn’t separate from nature but an extension of it.
“The center region is home to diverse creatures as well as hunters who collaborate with the Hunter Guild,” Siegfried explained, stepping ahead of her. “There aren’t large cities here, just a few towns scattered among forests and rivers. Come.”
They walked along the dirt road, Siegfried leading the way to find an inn. He spoke of the region’s unique role: a sanctuary for near-extinct species, both animals and monsters. The area’s hunters were strictly forbidden from killing any creatures, as they were considered invaluable for research or potential revival efforts spearheaded by Alchemist Corp.
“Even Garuda is an endangered species,” Siegfried added as they passed through the bustling town.
“But it doesn’t seem all that unusual to me,” Renn noted. “It just looks like a giant bird.”
Siegfried smiled. “That’s because we control their diet, ensuring the Mana they absorb is compatible with them. This makes them easier to contain and less likely to go berserk.”
“I see…” Renn murmured, her gaze wandering across the picturesque town. “I kinda wish I could get a closer look at them.”
“You can, actually,” Siegfried replied casually.
Renn’s head snapped toward him, her eyes gleaming. “Wait, seriously?! Really?!”
He chuckled at her reaction. “Yes. While we discourage hunters from harming them, our main concern is avoiding permanent injuries to the animals—or to the hunters, for that matter.”
He paused and turned toward her. “As long as you don’t cause any lingering scars or significant harm to the creatures, you’re allowed to confront them. In fact, someone from the higher-ups has a peculiar hobby of wrestling with these monsters on a regular basis.”
“W-wrestling with monsters?! On a regular basis?!” Renn repeated, her voice full of disbelief, eyes wide as her mind scrambled to imagine such a person.
Siegfried’s amused chuckle grew. “Yes. So, if you promise not to cause any lasting damage, I’d encourage you to challenge the monsters here. It could serve as valuable training for the tournament.”
Though she was still reeling from the idea of someone wrestling monsters for fun, Siegfried’s suggestion lit a spark in her mind. The opportunity to spar with the creatures of the center region wasn’t just a chance to train—it was an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen her forces.
With Garland’s power at her disposal, she could absorb the creatures’ Mana to create replicas under her control, ensuring the originals would recover their lost strength within weeks without lasting harm. This wasn’t just about preparing for the tournament; it was a chance to expand her monster army and ready herself for the threats looming on the horizon—whether they came from the ancient beast cults or Theodore’s sinister experiments.
The path ahead suddenly seemed more promising, though no less dangerous.
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