The door to the inn opened. The innkeeper was busy dusting the wine cabinet and didn't bother to look back.

"We're closed," he muttered over his shoulder.

"I am not here for a drink," came a calm, firm reply.

The innkeeper turned, his eyes narrowing at the figure standing near the doorway.

A man clad entirely in black armor stood there. A sword hung at his waist, its hilt adorned with a ruby. He had long red hair and sharp eyes. Around his neck, he wore a necklace -a sword piercing a skull with horns.

The innkeeper noticed the necklace and let out a sigh.

"A hunter, eh? About time."

"There was a job posted at Prol," said the man.

"Yes, yes. It was posted a week ago," the innkeeper said with a hint of irritation. "The guild sure took their time sending a party."

"The guild is a bit understaffed these days. I apologize for the delay," the man admitted, bowing slightly.

The innkeeper waved dismissively. "Fine, fine. It's all good now that you're here. Just kill that damn thing for me, would ya?"

The hunter's sharp eyes fixed on the innkeeper. "Describe the quarry."

"No one has seen it-at least, no one alive. People go into the forest and disappear. We can hear roars coming from the woods every now and then."

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"How long has it been since it started?" asked the hunter.

"Two or three weeks. At first, we ignored the roars. Figured it was some animal. But then people started disappearing. If that was all, we might've been able to live with it," the innkeeper said, his expression darkening.

The man raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"It started two nights ago. On the first night, a farmer named Matt-his house was attacked in the dead of night. It took him and his wife, leaving a trail of destruction in its path," the innkeeper said, pausing with a sigh.

"Then, last night, it attacked again. This time, it took three people."

"Where did these people live?" the hunter asked.

"At the eastern edge of the village, bordering the forest. You should ask around there for more information."

"Well, thank you for your time. My party and I will handle it," the man said, bowing as he turned to leave.

"Hey, can you really handle it? Can you kill it?"

The man paused, smirking as he looked back.

" Of course. We wouldn't be called hunters otherwise."

"I didn't ask your name."

"Valerin.You should relax ,innkeeper. We will handle the beast" the man said as he left the inn.

Valerin felt the cool breeze against him as he stepped out of the inn. His companions were waiting outside.

"So? Learn anything?" asked Durg, looking up from where he sat next to his pony.

"A beast in the forest. Don't know what. It's been attacking the eastern edge of the village for the past two nights. Let's ask around there," answered Valerin, taking the reins of his horse.

"Man, it's cold. Why do we have to work in such desolate weather?" whined Kell, standing next to his horse.

"Stop whining, Kell," said Alyssa, irritated, still seated on her mare.

"Let's go. We have a beast to hunt," said Valerin.

Durg got up on his pony, his excitement evident. "Let's go. I can't wait to find this thing. It's been a while since we last fought."

Kell sighed. "If only I had half your enthusiasm, Durg," he muttered, reluctantly climbing onto his horse.

And so, they were off.

"Astalor's wrath!" cursed Durg as he navigated through the ruins of the house.

"What destruction. I can't blame the nearby villagers for abandoning their homes," remarked Alyssa.

"Tch. Claw marks," said Durg, pointing to a ruined wall.

"What could have done this?" Valerin asked, glancing at his companions.

"Whatever it is, it's big. What did the villagers say?" Alyssa asked, looking at Valerin.

"They didn't know much. Most were too scared to even leave their houses," Valerin replied.

"Hey, over here! I found track marks!" called out Kell.

The others rushed over to him.

"What do you think?" Valerin asked.

"From the tracks-a Warg," Kell said with a sigh.

"Are you sure? A Warg out here?" Alyssa asked, her tone laced with doubt.

"It does seem to fit, considering the destruction. This level of devastation can only be caused by a beast the size of a Warg. And there are claw marks all around," said Durg.

"But still... one out here," muttered Valerin, frowning.

"So, what do we do, Val?" Alyssa asked, looking to him for direction.

"It will hunt again tonight. This village is now its hunting ground, and it won't stop,

" Valerin replied firmly.

"Then we wait and set a trap," Durg said with a nod of understanding.