"Father, can you take me with you hunting tomorrow?"
"No, Aris. I told you already—it's too dangerous right now. The village guards warned us that a powerful beast has appeared in the deeper parts of the forest. We must be careful while hunting. If our rations weren't running low, we wouldn't dare go hunting at a time like this."
"But Dad, Bruno said the Chaos Seekers from the city already went to hunt that beast. They'll surely kill it! Maybe it's already dead by now! So can I please come? Please!"
"Aris. My decision is final. You will help your mother take care of the sheep with your sister today. No more discussion. Now go."
The child shrank back when he saw his father's anger. He ran from the house before another beating could come.
Watching his son disappear, Theno let out a long breath.
Sigh… If only those Chaos Seekers were serious about killing beasts, I wouldn't have to risk my life like this.
Those bastards only care about money, not people. It's already been two weeks since they were assigned to hunt that Unknown beast, yet there's still no news of it being killed. Instead, three hunting teams from surrounding villages have been wiped out.
If this village weren't so far from the capital… if Chaos Slayers were stationed here… the city lord wouldn't have to rely on those Chaos Seekers.
I just hope they actually do their job…
With that thought, the old hunter took his thick wool coat, his worn bow, and his knife, and set off toward the outskirts of the village to meet up with the hunting team.
Crunch.
A dry leaf crumbled beneath a pair of leather boots.
An angry whisper sounded."Davis, you brat! Do you want to give away our location to every beast in this forest? How many times have I told you to watch your steps?"
"I-I'm sorry, Captain, but it's too hard. This damn forest is full of dead leaves,"
the young man said while running.
"That's why I told you to train your Light Steps skill. As a Chaos Seeker, making noise while moving is asking for death."
"I'll dock your pay for a whole month if I hear one more sound from you, the captain warned quietly."
The new member, Davis, lowered his head and paid closer attention to his steps.
Inside, he cursed.
Damn captain, always reprimanding me. It's not my fault we can't find that damned beast—so why take out your anger on me? Sigh… I hope this time we arrive on time. That damned horse is too fast. When we arrive, we only find corpses. If this continues, our reputation will be ruined.
With that, the team of four Chaos Seekers moved deeper into the forest, their swift steps making no sound.
Swish.
An arrow cut through the air, flying toward a deer grazing in the distance. The beast was startled and tried to flee, but the arrow—almost as if it had eyes—flew exactly where it was heading, and in an instant, it pierced its heart.
With a sorrowful cry, the deer collapsed, the light in its eyes slowly faded away
"Incredible!" "That's the skill of Old Theno for you—always hitting the heart!" a young man praised, and the others nodded in admiration.
"It's nothing that impressive, Bruno. After a few more years of practice, I'm sure you'll be even better than me."
Bruno smiled crookedly. "I hope so, Old Theno. Even after months of practice, I still can't hit anything. If I weren't good at setting traps, I'd have starved long ago."
Theno smiled back. "You'll get better with time. Now let's process the deer. We must hurry before the blood attracts other beasts."
"You're right," Bruno said, growing serious. hey were deep in the outskirts of the forest.. If an Unknown Demonic beast was drawn by the blood, their team of five could be wiped out.
Just as they were about to reach the dead deer, the four older hunters suddenly stopped.
Bruno almost bumped into Theno. "W-what's—"
Theno covered his mouth, his eyes sharp.
Bruno's heart began to pound.
It can't be right. We can't be so unlucky…
Then, as if to confirm his fear, he heard it.
Boom… boom… boom…
The sound grew stronger, matching his heartbeat.
Then—
NEIGHHH!
A horse's scream that froze the soul tore through the forest. Birds scattered into the sky.
"RUN!" an old hunter screamed.
The hunters fled. The experienced ones moved fast—but Bruno froze for a moment before forcing himself to run.
Too late.
A violent wind rushed from behind.
Bruno turned.
His pupils shrank.
A massive dark horse—more than two meters tall—stood behind him. Deep black eyes burned with rage.
Then—
BOOM!
Bruno screamed as he was flung through the air by the horse's massive head.
His vision dimmed and he felt the world spin, then he smashed into a tree. The sound of bones cracking echoed through the forest, and his desperate screaming stopped abruptly.
Blood sprayed across the bark.
"NEIGHHH!!"
The dark horse rose on its hind legs. An even more crazed sound burst from the beast as its eyes locked onto the desperately fleeing hunters.
Ugh, the screaming—really can't get used to it, but I need to do it since it makes them more afraid. Well, anyways, hopefully, after I leave one alive, the strange energy will grow stronger again. Of course, I'll have to scare that person as much as possible before letting him go.
With that, the dark horse rushed toward another hunter.
"AHHH! Another scream rang out, filled with agony."
Old Theno bit his lip until blood flowed. Fear and sorrow filled him, but he kept running.
The beast might go after me next. Then I will surely die…But maybe there's a chance. Some beasts leave one survivor.
That's my only hope. I have to take it. My family needs me. Please, Divine Knight, let that person be me.
"UGHH!"
A heavier cry of pain sounded. Another member had been caught.
Theno's legs almost gave out, but he forced himself to move faster.
Faster.
Then his heart froze.
The booming sound grew louder.
I know it…
I'm next.
Boom… boom…
Hooves trampled the ground. Theno's heart nearly burst.
A powerful swishing sound came from behind.
Fear overwhelmed him. His legs gave in, and he tumbled to the ground.
In his vision, a huge dark hoof rushed toward his head with terrifying force.
"Nooo!" he screamed.
Zing!
A sword appeared as if it had teleported, blocking the flaming hoof.
A rough voice thundered," Move, old man! I can't hold it for long!"
Theno's heart surged. As an experienced hunter, he reacted instantly, rolling away.
Thud!
Just at that moment, the powerful hoof flung the slightly bent sword aside and slammed into the ground with great force.
The ground exploded.
---------------------------------
Power Realms / Fame / Flame of Will – Color Indicators
Spawn – Barely known. White
Notorious– Locally Known. Green
Infamous – Regionally Famous. Blue
Renowned – Nationwide Recognition. Purple
Legendary – Across Nations. Yellow
Mythic – Known to the entire world. Red
God of Chaos – ??? -