As the first rays of dawn kissed the horizon, Descarith stirred to life. Villagers bustled through the streets, their footsteps a symphony of daily routines. Some embarked on their morning hustle, while others were already deeply entrenched in their bustling activities. A select few chose to celebrate the new day in the warm embrace of a local tavern, their mirthful voices intermingling with tales spun over tankards of ale. But today was different; it was a day when the women of the village had a compelling reason to visit.
Razor, a man of undeniable charm, found himself amidst the camaraderie of the tavern. He lowered a recently emptied glass onto the worn wooden counter. Vladamir, the tavern's owner and bartender, offered a knowing glance as he approached. "Another challenging night, Razor? You should be resting, lad. Word on the street is Rize is sending you south."
Razor's lips curled into a wry smile as he leaned in, replying in hushed tones, "I've had my fair share of sleepless nights, Vlad. As for south, I don't fault Rize for her decision. Her heart's in the right place; she just cares too deeply for all of us."
Vlad nodded sagely, his grizzled features reflecting the weight of knowledge he bore. "From what I've heard, south is a treacherous journey. Even your shadow hunters have steered clear of those ruins. There are no outposts for resupplying your weapons, and the last troop that ventured there, well, they never returned. Despite being full of grade S, not a single soul made it back. It's as if the shadow beasts are guarding something, ever since then, Rize declared it off-limits. But speaking of weapons, did you really discover a new one?"
Razor maintained his enigmatic smile, leaning closer to Vlad. "Yes, that place is indeed perilous, even during daylight hours, it's as dark as night. But as for the weapons, well, let's just say we found an alternative."
Vlad's voice dropped to a whisper as he inquired further, "So the rumors about the shadow beasts are true, then?"
Razor, recognizing Vlad's unique insights, nodded in affirmation. "You always seem to be well-informed, Vlad. Who spilled the beans this time?"
Vlad chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You'd be surprised how easily people loosen their tongues after a drink or two, lad. It's my business to know."
With a casual gesture, Razor placed three gold coins on the tavern table, leaving them as a token of appreciation. "Alright, Vlad, I better make my way out. It's always a pleasure being here."
Vlad's eyes twinkled with a hint of disappointment as he watched Razor's departure. "You'd do well to keep those coins, lad. You know I don't accept payments from you. Hunters like you are the reason I can run this establishment in the first place. Ellum wouldn't be safe without its guardians."
Razor offered a warm smile as he exited the tavern, and the ladies inside erupted into a chorus of sighs and murmurs. "Just keep it, old man. What's money worth to a man destined to traverse the shadows anyway?"
Vlad nodded, a mix of admiration and affection in his eyes. As Razor stepped out into the open, the bustling village continued its daily rhythm, and the allure of his enigmatic presence lingered.
Razor made his way to the guild's outpost, a significant part of his life in Descarith. As he approached, his sharp eyes immediately caught sight of Max, who was engrossed in observing a shadow beast. Max was patting the creature's head and gently tapping its nose, a curious expression on his face.
Razor couldn't help but tease his comrade. "Max, it's not a dog, you know."
Max, now surprised and somewhat embarrassed, straightened up quickly. "I was merely studying the beast, Razor. After all, he's crucial for our upcoming mission."
"Our new mission?" Razor inquired, arching an eyebrow. "And how do you know it's a 'he'?"
Max responded with unwavering determination, "Yes, I am coming with you. I've already informed Rize, and she's agreed."
Razor's expression grew more serious. "It's a dangerous mission, Max. I don't want to put any of you at risk. When Rize informed the members they could join if they wished, I was relieved. It means I'm not putting anyone else in harm's way."
Max, however, was resolute. "I am a commander too, Razor, and my mind is made up. Besides, Rize was the one who assigned this mission to you."
Razor acknowledged Max's determination, but concern still lingered in his voice. "I appreciate your loyalty, Max, but this mission is fraught with peril. Even in daylight, it's as dark as night down south. The last troop that ventured there, despite being full of grade S hunters, didn't return. It's like the shadow beasts are guarding something. Since then, Rize declared it off-limits."
Max wasn't deterred. "I know the risks, Razor, and I'm willing to face them. Besides, we're a team, and we watch each other's backs. That's what makes us shadow hunters."
Razor sighed, acknowledging Max's unwavering resolve. "Very well,
Max. But I don't take this decision lightly. I've seen too much loss in this guild already."
Max nodded in understanding, his gaze unwavering. "I know, Razor, and I'm prepared for whatever lies ahead."
As their conversation unfolded, Max handed Razor a sealed scroll, which Razor opened and began to read.
The scroll bore the words of their guild leader, Rize:
"You still have the option to abandon this mission, to have the beast destroyed and to forget about the enigmatic blue trail. Descarith cares little for what transpires down south, and I do not want to see you harmed, nor do I expect you to make sacrifices for the guild.
However, I understand your stubborn nature, and I know that you would head south with the beast regardless. That's why I've entrusted you with this mission. Max requested to join you after your departure from the guild, and I couldn't deny him. He's as unwavering as you when it comes to protecting you. He's a true friend, and I couldn't refuse his request.
I'm arranging a cart of supplies for you—enough rations, weapons, and fuel for a month's journey. Have your beast carry it. This doesn't mean you can't change your mind about the mission. But if you choose to proceed, consider this my parting gift.
With all my warmth,
Rize"
Razor closed the scroll, his emotions a complex interplay of gratitude, determination, and resignation. He burned the letter, letting the ashes scatter in the wind. "Did the supplies from the guild arrive?" he asked Max.
Max nodded in affirmation. "Yes, Razor, we have them ready near the stables."
Razor shook his head. "Horses won't suffice for this journey. This fellow will be carrying our provisions." He patted the shadow beast affectionately.
Max couldn't help but point out, "You know it's not a horse, right?"
Razor chuckled softly. "I'm aware."
As they prepared for their journey into the ominous shadows of the south, both Razor and Max were acutely aware that they were stepping into uncharted territory, where mysteries and perils awaited them.