The crisp morning air carried the scent of freshly baked bread and roasting meats as Arin and Evelyne stepped out of the inn. The city streets were already bustling, merchants shouting prices, and travelers preparing for their own journeys. Their earlier flustered moment was still fresh in their minds, but they had silently agreed not to mention it.
Instead, they focused on their plan for the day—hunting.
After a quiet breakfast filled with stolen glances and unspoken thoughts, they made their way to the marketplace to buy necessary equipment.
---
Gearing Up for the Hunt
Evelyne walked slightly ahead, her movements graceful yet purposeful, as they navigated through the market's winding paths. Arin followed beside her, scanning the various stalls selling weapons, potions, and survival tools.
"We should at least get some basic supplies," Arin mused. "Rations, water pouches, maybe a map of the hunting grounds."
Evelyne nodded. "And a sharpening stone. I don't like dull blades."
He smirked. "You really do have a perfectionist's streak."
She shot him a sideways glance but didn't deny it.
At a weapons stall, Arin picked up a hunting dagger, examining its weight. "This should do for skinning and minor defense."
Evelyne, meanwhile, ran her fingers along the hilt of a rapier—sleek and elegant, yet sturdy. She tested its weight with a practiced flick of her wrist, the blade singing through the air.
Arin observed her choice with curiosity. "A rapier? Not a longsword or a greatsword?"
Evelyne gave him a knowing smile. "Power isn't always about brute force. I prefer precision."
He nodded, taking mental notes. The weapon suited her—refined, efficient, and unyielding.
Once their purchases were complete, they made their way toward the city gates, where beyond them lay the untamed wilderness.
---
Their Hunting Attire
Before leaving the city, both of them had changed into more suitable hunting gear.
Arin wore a dark leather vest over a long-sleeved navy tunic, designed for ease of movement while still providing some protection. A belt secured his sword sheath at his hip, and a pair of sturdy black boots completed the look. His gloves were fingerless, allowing a firmer grip on his weapon, and a lightweight cloak draped over his shoulders to guard against the elements.
Evelyne, on the other hand, wore a fitted dark blue hunting jacket lined with silver embroidery, giving her a regal yet practical appearance. Underneath, she had a white tunic, tucked neatly into leather pants that allowed flexibility. Her knee-high boots were reinforced with metal lining near the shins, designed for swift movement while providing some protection. A set of throwing knives were strapped to her thigh, complementing her rapier at her waist. Unlike Arin, she wore full gloves, enhancing her grip while maintaining elegance.
"You look like you're ready to attend a duel, not a hunt," Arin teased.
Evelyne smirked, brushing a stray lock of her raven-black hair behind her ear. "And you look like you're about to rob a noble's carriage."
He chuckled. "Fair enough."
---
The Creatures Beyond the Walls
As they walked through the outer roads, Arin took the opportunity to explain the types of beasts they might encounter.
"The forest outside this city isn't just home to regular animals," he explained. "It has minor magical creatures, some harmless, some... problematic."
Evelyne listened intently. "Like?"
"Wraithwolves, for one. They travel in packs and can shift between shadows. You'll see their eyes glow before they strike."
She raised an eyebrow. "Lovely. What else?"
"There are Vine Stranglers—sentient plants that ensnare prey, wrapping around them like constricting snakes. And then, there's the Ash Stalker, a feline predator that can briefly vanish from sight to ambush its prey."
Evelyne hummed. "Sounds like we'll have to stay alert."
He smirked. "That's the fun part, isn't it?"
She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
---
Training Before the Hunt
Upon reaching a secluded clearing within the forest, they decided to warm up before beginning their hunt.
Arin stretched his limbs, loosening his muscles before drawing his weapon. His Samsāra Shakti, the Śapathajīvi (Vowbound Chronicle), pulsed faintly within him, a reminder of the sacred contract he had with his own words. Though he wouldn't be relying on it for a simple hunt, he still needed to refine his swordplay.
He took his stance, closing his eyes momentarily before striking. His sword cut through the air in precise arcs, his movements honed yet still carrying the weight of someone who was continuously refining himself.
On the other side of the clearing, Evelyne stood with her rapier in hand. Unlike Arin's sweeping strikes, her movements were like a dancer's—swift, calculated, and pinpoint accurate.
Her Samsāra Shakti, Noctis Veil, surrounded her subtly. It allowed her to blend into shadows, becoming a phantom when needed. It wasn't true invisibility, but rather an ability to distort perception. Against normal opponents, she could make herself seem as if she were attacking from a different direction entirely.
She thrust forward—once, twice, then a final precise strike that could have pierced through an enemy's vital point had they been in front of her.
Arin watched her movements with appreciation. "Your form is flawless."
Evelyne smirked. "Naturally."
He chuckled. "But your style is based on deception. How do you counter someone who doesn't fall for feints?"
She twirled her rapier once before sheathing it. "That's why I never rely on just one tactic. Adaptability is key."
Arin nodded, impressed. "That's a good philosophy."
Evelyne tilted her head. "And yours? Your power seems tied to your words. How do you fight knowing every vow you make has consequences?"
Arin was silent for a moment before answering, "I choose my words carefully. I only promise what I intend to keep."
She studied him, then nodded. "Good."
Their brief sparring session ended, leaving them both warmed up and ready for the hunt.
With a final glance at one another, they set off deeper into the forest, prepared to face whatever lay ahead.