Chapter 8: The Contract
As Ryu's name is officially entered into the guild's registry, he wastes no time in seeking out his first assignment. Spotting a particularly challenging contract posted on the quest board, his eyes narrow with determination.
Ryu: "This one looks promising."
The receptionist, wary of his cold demeanor, nods in approval as Ryu takes the scroll bearing the seal of the guild.
Receptionist: "That's a tough one, Ryu. But I have a feeling you're up for the challenge."
Ryu accepts the scroll with a nod, his mind already focused on the task ahead. The contract entails tracking down a notorious bandit leader known as Garret the Iron Fist, who has been terrorizing nearby villages and eluding capture for years.
Ryu: "Garret the Iron Fist, huh? Sounds like my kind of challenge."
With the contract in hand, Ryu sets out into the wilderness, his senses keen and his determination unwavering. For days, he tracks the bandit's movements through dense forests and treacherous terrain, his every step guided by the instinct honed from years of survival in the wild.
Finally, after a grueling journey, Ryu arrives at the bandit camp, his presence shrouded in shadows as he surveys the scene. Garret and his men are caught off guard by Ryu's sudden appearance, their crude weapons no match for the hunter's unmatched agility and combat prowess.
Garret: "Who the hell are you?"
Ryu steps forward, his movements fluid and deliberate as he faces down the bandit leader without fear.
Ryu: "I'm the one who's going to put an end to your reign of terror."
With a smirk, Garret sizes up Ryu, his ego swelling at the challenge before him.
Garret: "You? You're just a kid. You think you can take me on?"
Ryu's expression remains unchanged as he launches himself into the fray. His fist connects with Garret's outstretched hand with bone-crushing force, and a sickening crack echoes through the air as Garret's hand shatters under the impact.
Garret: "Ahh! My hand!"
Despite the pain, Garret attempts to retaliate, but Ryu's movements are too fast, too precise. With a series of lightning-fast strikes, Ryu disarms Garret and sends him crashing to the ground, defeated and broken.
As the dust settles, the receptionist approaches, her expression a mix of shock and awe at the sight before her. She had heard tales of Garret's prowess, of how he had defeated C-rank adventurers with ease, but to see him bested by a newcomer, a mere D-rank, was beyond belief.
Receptionist: "I-I can't believe it. You... you defeated Garret?"
Ryu nods in acknowledgment, his mission accomplished. With Garret subdued and the bounty secured, he returns to the guild, his reputation as a formidable hunter solidified.
Receptionist: "Impressive work, Ryu. You've proven yourself to be a force to be reckoned with."
Ryu nods in acknowledgment, his mind already drifting to the next contract on his list.