Hanmo, the A-Rank Hunter and the publicly proclaimed Ice God, liked to drink his tea when it was steaming hot. As he drank a cup with one leg over his other, he felt calm.
The mountain range today had a nice climate. The cicadas were chirping, the sunlight was warm, and the sound of the stream was healing to the soul. But bad news didn't wait for your mood to be bad to arrive, sometimes, it came when you were happy.
Shiden entered the courtyard with a pale face, and his countenance only grew paler as he noticed his mentor's gaze.
Hanmo put down his cup. "What happened?"
The youth was trembling.
Hanmo sighed and stood up. He could guess. "I predicted this with at least one of you. Just say it—I will not be disappointed. I will try not to be."
Shiden closed his eyes with bitterness. "Master, I have failed you."
Hanmo looked into the distant skies with a melancholic expression.
