The sun was setting as Lucas and the other hunters emerged from the dungeon, the remnants of the battle still fresh in their minds. He felt both exhausted and exhilarated, his heart still racing from the encounter with the Wraith Commander. Despite the victory, there was a strange unease in the pit of his stomach.
"You did it, Lucas!" Kai grinned, slapping him on the back. "That was insane! First dungeon, and you take down a boss!"
Lucas smiled weakly, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Yeah, but something feels… off."
Garrick, who had been unusually quiet, turned to face the group. "Get some rest. We're heading back to the guild." His voice was stern, but Lucas could tell something was on his mind.
Back at the guild, Lucas couldn't help but notice the way the other hunters looked at him. Whispers followed him as he entered the barracks, and more than one person shot him a curious glance.
"Did you see that kid? He took down the Wraith like it was nothing!"
"What kind of weapon was he using? I've never seen anything like that!"
Elena was waiting for him in the common room, a warm smile on her face. "Lucas," she said, "that was impressive. I didn't think an E-rank hunter could do that."
"Neither did I," Lucas muttered, more to himself than to her. "But… I don't know what happened. There was this power, like something inside me woke up."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "You're saying you didn't know about it?"
"No," Lucas replied, shaking his head. "It was like my dagger just… reacted to the Wraith, and then I saw this mark on my hand. It was glowing red."
Elena's expression turned serious. "A red sigil… That's rare. Very rare."
The following morning, Lucas sat in the guild's training yard, trying to make sense of what had happened. His hand still tingled, as though the sigil was still there, even though it had vanished. It didn't make any sense. He wasn't special, just an E-rank hunter trying to survive.
"How are you feeling, Lucas?" Garrick approached, his tone softer than usual. "About last night."
"I don't get it," Lucas said, glancing at his hand. "I've never heard of a hunter getting a mark like that."
Garrick crossed his arms. "You're not the only one. But there are rumors—whispers of hunters who bear marks like that. Hunters who have the potential to rise higher than anyone thought possible."
"Potential?" Lucas repeated, feeling a spark of hope. "Do you think I could really be one of them?"
Garrick gave him a long look, then sighed. "Maybe. But it won't be easy. The path you're about to walk… it's not for the faint of heart."
Just then, a voice interrupted them.
"Speaking of potential..."
Lucas turned to see Darius Blackthorn approaching, his smug grin as irritating as ever.
"Impressive performance last night, Ashenvale. But don't get cocky. One good fight doesn't make you special."
Lucas clenched his fists, but Garrick stepped in before things could escalate. "Darius, don't start. We've all got our own strengths. Just remember that Lucas has something you don't—raw talent. Now, if you'll excuse us."
Darius scoffed but didn't press further. "Whatever. Don't say I didn't warn you."
The rest of the day was a blur of training and preparation for the next mission. Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that something more was at play, something bigger than just the dungeon and the Wraith. He needed answers, and he was determined to find them.
That night, Lucas sat in his room, the soft glow of a single candle casting shadows on the walls. His hand still felt warm, almost as if the sigil was calling to him.
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he called, turning toward the door.
Elena entered, her eyes serious. "We need to talk."
"I've been doing some research," Elena began, sitting across from Lucas. "There's no record of anyone with a mark like yours in recent history. But ancient texts… they speak of something called the 'Crimson Hunter.' A hunter chosen by fate, someone who can surpass their limits and achieve greatness."
Lucas's heart skipped a beat. "The Crimson Hunter? That sounds like a legend."
"It is," Elena confirmed. "But the thing is, legends are often based on truth. And if what we're seeing with you is real, you could be the next one."
Lucas leaned forward, his mind racing. "What do I have to do?"
Elena hesitated. "There's a trial—a series of challenges that only those marked by destiny can complete. But no one knows where the trial is or what it entails."
"Where do I start?"
Elena's eyes softened. "I don't know yet. But we'll figure it out together. You're not alone in this, Lucas."
Later that night, Lucas stood on the balcony, staring out at the stars. His mind swirled with thoughts of the Crimson Hunter, the mark on his hand, and the path that lay ahead.
This was bigger than him. But for the first time in his life, Lucas felt like he had a purpose. A destiny he couldn't ignore.
As he gazed into the night sky, he made a silent vow:
He would rise. He would become the Crimson Hunter.
To Be Continued...