Gerald Azure's POV
The dawn of Faelan's rigorous training loomed. A wave of pride washed over me; his recent triumph over the Minotaur, alongside the still-green Fenrir, was a testament to his burgeoning strength. Fenrir's youth showed in that battle—a baptism by fire, his first true test—but the raw potential was undeniable. Soon, they would be an unstoppable force, a legendary duo. Faelan's sharp mind further fueled my conviction: the time had come to unveil a secret, a treasure hidden deep within the southeastern mountain—a vast library, brimming with ancient knowledge. Its contents held the key to unlocking his full potential, to forging him into a warrior beyond compare.
A sharp rap on the door sliced through my thoughts.
"Knock, knock."
"Come in, Nikko," I called out, my voice weary but resolute. "What is it?"
Nikko, his usual cheerful demeanor slightly subdued, entered. "Captain, a message from a messenger hawk, from the North Forest."
"Read it," I instructed, already anticipating the urgency in his tone.
Nikko sighed, a familiar sound that spoke volumes about my reputation for procrastination. "Good morning, Captain Gerald. This is Tony, leader of the North Forest group. We're reporting a significant land collapse that occurred earlier. The hole revealed several caves, and within the debris field, we found the remains of several monsters—Minotaurs and Orcs. We believe a battle of significant scale took place. We await your arrival, Captain." He paused, his eyes questioning. "Shall we expect your presence, Captain?"
"I'm on my way," I replied, a sudden knot tightening in my stomach. "Nikko, you'll oversee Faelan's training preparations today. Before you leave, take these vegetables to the house. If Lilith inquires about my whereabouts, you know what to say."
"Understood, Captain. I'll depart immediately."
The North Forest base was a considerable distance, but I would reach them with all possible haste. A large hole, appearing seemingly out of nowhere… No tremors, no explosions… Could it have been a subterranean event? Something we couldn't sense from above?
(North Forest Base)
"Tony," I addressed the North Forest leader, my voice firm. "Where exactly is this hole?"
"Follow us, Captain," Tony replied, his face etched with concern.
The journey was fraught with a growing unease. The scale of the devastation was far greater than I initially imagined.
"The hole is quite deep, Captain," Tony explained as we approached. "Several of our hunters descended into the chasm. They discovered extensive cave systems below. Near the collapse, they found the remains of various monsters—Minotaurs, Orcs… the scale of the battle suggests something far more significant than a simple skirmish." He gestured towards the gaping maw in the earth. "The hunters also reported finding signs of intense heat—burnt rocks. It seems this wasn't just a clash between Minotaurs and Orcs; a creature capable of unleashing devastating explosive force was likely involved."
I stared at the chasm. It was vast, but not as vast as I expected.
"Hmm? This is it? It's only about the width of two stacked black Minotaurs," I commented, trying to lighten the mood with a touch of dry humor.
Tony chuckled, a nervous sound. "Captain, are you still underestimating the scale? Those black Minotaurs are practically mountains themselves!"
"No, it's substantial," I conceded, my gaze sweeping over the scene. "But for now, we leave it untouched. I'll handle this. Secure the perimeter with a fence and warning signs. It's too hazardous to leave it open. I have other matters to attend to; I'll be leaving now."
"Thank you, Captain," Tony replied. "One more thing, Captain. We've received reports of suspicious activity near the iron mine on the border. Armed men, repeatedly crossing back and forth. It seems they're planning something. Should we take action?"
"Not yet," I decided. "They haven't yet entered the forest. But the moment they cross the border, eliminate them swiftly and decisively."
"Understood, Captain. But what if they are stronger than we anticipate?"
"Don't fret," I reassured him, my gaze distant, already considering the implications of this new threat. "I'll be alerted the moment they enter the forest. And our hunters are far from weak. Besides, you're the strongest hunter in the North. I'm leaving now."
"Thank you, Captain. Safe travels."
Evening approached. I needed to reach Nikko and Faelan, to prepare them for tomorrow's training.
(Southeast Mountain, Captain's Base)
"I'm here," I announced, entering the base. "Nikko, are you finished briefing Faelan?"
"Captain," Nikko greeted me, relief evident in his voice. "Yes, I've completed the briefing. Please, have a seat. I'll prepare dinner."
"Good work, Nikko," I praised him. "Thank you for your assistance."
"My pleasure, Captain. Always for you."
"Faelan," I turned to my son, my voice softening. "Are you ready for tomorrow's training?"
"Yes, Papa," Faelan replied, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"Faelan," I corrected gently, "from tomorrow onwards, address me as 'Captain,' understood?"
"Yes, Captain," Faelan repeated, his voice firm.
"Right, tomorrow," I chuckled, breaking the tension. "Nikko, who will be in Faelan's training group?"
"Captain, Faelan will be with Uriel, Alexa, and Danes. He's replacing a trainee who couldn't keep up."
"Uriel, Alexa, and Danes… Nikko, is Uriel… your son? When did he start hunter training?"
Nikko smiled. "About a week ago, Captain. He decided to follow in our footsteps."
"I see," I mused. "A sharp girl like Uriel will certainly provide Faelan with ample motivation."
Nikko chuckled. "And Faelan, with his strength and intelligence, will undoubtedly motivate Uriel as well. Plus, he takes after his handsome father."
We both erupted into laughter.
"Faelan," I said, turning back to my son, "our group—myself, Nikko, Nikko's wife, and your Aunt Kyla—were once considered the strongest hunting group in the land. We've faced countless missions, countless battles, and emerged victorious every time."
Nikko shifted uncomfortably, clearly embarrassed by the attention.
"Wow," Faelan exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. "But Aunt Kyla only uses healing magic, right?"
"Healing is only one facet of her abilities," I corrected. "She's a master of support magic—enhancements, buffs, the works. She was invaluable to our team."
"Wow," Faelan whispered, clearly impressed. "Aunt Kyla is even more amazing than I thought."
"Indeed, she is," I agreed, a warmth spreading through my chest.
"Captain, dinner is ready," Nikko announced, breaking the reverie.
"Excellent," I said. "Let's eat, and then we'll rest. It's been a long day."
(Back to Faelan's POV)
After dinner, Papa beckoned me outside.
"Faelan," he said, his voice low. "Come with me. We're going somewhere."
"Okay, Papa," I replied, my curiosity piqued. "Where are we going?"
"A secret place," he whispered, pulling me close. "Just follow me. Nikko, we'll be out for a while. You're in charge."
"Understood, Captain," Nikko replied, his voice barely a murmur.
As we ascended the mountain, Papa began to recount tales of his legendary hunting group, the battles fought, the victories won, the camaraderie shared. Finally, we reached our destination—a hidden cave, shrouded in mystery.
"Back then," Papa began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "our group was renowned as the strongest. We faced countless challenges, countless foes, and emerged victorious each time. This cave… this is where I discovered a secret, a hidden treasure, all those years ago. It was after a battle against two black Minotaurs. While Nikko and Hannah were engaged with one, Kyla and I faced the other. The Minotaur's attack shattered my defenses, sending me flying into this very mountain. I fell into this cave, and there, I discovered a vast library hidden within its depths. It's filled with books on magic, techniques, history… everything a hunter could ever need. This, Faelan, is your first mission. Study everything within these walls. Absorb the knowledge, and become stronger than I ever was."
He gestured towards the entrance of the cave, revealing the hidden library.
"I've kept this place a secret for years, so much so that I haven't even cleaned it once!" he chuckled, a hint of self-deprecating humor in his voice. "But knowledge, Faelan, is the greatest weapon a hunter can possess. In my past life, I relied on knowledge, and I will again. I will surpass my past self, and you will surpass me."
I nodded, my heart pounding with excitement and a sense of profound responsibility. This wasn't just a library; it was a legacy, a path towards becoming the greatest hunter the world had ever seen.