The outer edge of the city buzzed with activity. Teams of advanced hunters, their gear gleaming in the morning sun, marched confidently towards the looming dungeon hub at the edge of the city. They were the seasoned ones who braved the dungeons for a living. Their heads held high, their movements practiced, their expressions a mix of determination and boredom. I envied their confidence, their sense of belonging.
The newbies, however, were easy to spot. Their eyes darted nervously, their hands fidgeted with their weapons, and their faces were pale with fear. They were still trying to find their footing in this world, a world where survival depended on a system only a select few could awaken. I was one of them.
I kept my head down, the weight of my own anxieties pushing down on me. My heart hammered in my chest, a frantic drumbeat that seemed to echo in my ears. The hub getting closer and closer with each step forward.
A knot tightened in my stomach. I had no time to dwell on my fears. There was a group ahead of me, a trio of figures I recognized from the Local Guild. I had booked them a week prior, to help me through my first hunt. I felt a pang of relief. They didn't let me down.
I adjusted the strap of my sword, making sure my weapons were secure. I couldn't afford to be clumsy today. With a deep breath, I closed the distance between myself and the group.
All around the hub, hunters held billboards, calling out to different team roles and their pays.
"Tank needed, two hours, 70/30 ratio."
"Ranger needed, five hours, 20 silver coins"
"Shield needed, 5 gold coins, three hours at the Orc dungeon"
"Elemental needed to farm an elemental dungeon. Six hours, 50 gold coins"
I listened to them all. But When I heard the pay for the elemental, my eyes widened, 50 gold coins for six hours, this is insane.
Why were Elementals more higher than the others?
I finally got to the group. The man in the lead had a greatsword strapped to his back, a weapon nearly as tall as he was. He was a towering figure with broad shoulders and a handsome face, he was not much older than i am. His face though was hardened by years of monster hunting. His gaze, when it landed on me, was sharp and assessing.
"Are you the one who booked us?" he asked, his voice gruff.
I nodded, trying to maintain my composure.
"I'm Kaito, a fire elemental, tank and the leader of the team." he said, offering a hand. His grip was surprisingly gentle for someone who wielded such a formidable weapon.
I shook it, trying to match his confidence. "I'm Lucas"
He grunted in acknowledgment and turned back to his companions. They were a lady with a bow and arrow slung across her back and a cloaked figure, with two glinting daggers around his waist. His face was obscured by the hood.
"This is Luna, she's a skilled archer. And the ranger of the team," Kaito said, gesturing towards her.
Luna gave me a quick, appraising glance. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, seemed to see through me. "Nice to meet you, Lucas" she said curtly.
"Nice to meet you too, Luna." I replied respectfully, eve! Though we we only two inches apart, I could tell she was strong, far stronger than I am.
But I did like her friendly demeanor.
Then he turned to shadow,
"And well that is shadow, he is the support of the team."
'Uhn! Just that? No skills or anything. It sure is a vague introduction, there must be a reason though. I'll ask what it is on the way.'
Shadow remained silent, his gaze focused on the swirling portals. His cloaked figure, the only one in the group wearing such attire, added to his air of mystery.
"I'm looking forward to working with you," I said, trying to mask my nervousness.
"Alright, let's get this show on the road," Kaito said, a grin spreading across his face.
With a nod of agreement, I walked towards the shimmering portal, with the group.
We continued our trek toward the portals. With every step closer, the weight of my expectations grew.
I walked closer to Luna and whispered to her,
"what's the deal with shadow?, doesn't he talk?" I asked her curiously.
"He does, but to only people he trusts, he was a member of a group of shadow assassin's, a long time ago. He was betrayed and since then he doesn't associate with strangers."
Well that explains a lot. I just nodded in response but then she said something that made my heart skip a beat.
"And you don't have to bother whispering, he can hear you." she said chuckling.
"What!!!". I gasped in horror and shut my mouth. Looking elsewhere.
I followed close behind, my heart pounding in my chest.
As we got to the portals, two city guards stood there. They were tanks from their looks. Their IDs showed their names, Josh and Ferdi.
They stopped us,
"Can I see your ID's?" the bigger one said.
"of course, here you go" kaito says as he hands his over.
The others followed suit. Then It was handed back to them.
They turned to me but before they could ask, kaito answered
Kaito: "This is Lucas, he's a newbie. About to be awakened. And we're his guide." He showed them the contract.
Josh: "Ah, a fresh hunter. Welcome to the hunt, kid. You're in for a wild ride."
Ferdi: "Just remember, even the easiest dungeons can be dangerous. Stick close to your team, and listen to your leader."
Lucas: (Nods to the guards) "Thanks. I'll be sure to do that."
The reason for Identification was because this being a City property, everyone could enter, but there are always casualties due to young hunters and teenagers trying to prove themselves which results in their deaths.
There was one particular incident a few years ago, but I can't remember what it was about. So, except you're an un-awakened with guardians just like in my case, you won't be given access.
The guards stepped away from the portal and we climbed into the platform
'This Is it. This is the moment I'd been waiting for.' I thought as we stepped into the portal.
...