The world Kieran lived in had imposed order upon chaos by introducing a system to classify monsters and magic crystals. It was a necessity, as the number of portals and the creatures emerging from them continued to rise at an alarming rate.
Every monster was categorized based on its strength, speed, intelligence, and magical abilities. The scale started at rank E—representing the weakest creatures, barely a threat to an ordinary person—and climbed all the way to rank SS, attributed to entities capable of obliterating entire cities. Between these extremes were ranks D, C, B, A, S, and their variants, such as B- or C+, indicating monsters on the verge of transitioning to a higher rank.
Similarly, magic crystals left behind by monsters were also classified. The weakest were pink, often barely useful, while the strongest were red, radiating immense power. The green crystal Kieran had obtained earlier was mid-tier—far more valuable than pink or orange crystals but still inferior to blue, purple, or red.
The creature Kieran had slain on the plains was classified as rank C. Its scaly hide and quick movements made it a challenge, but it was not yet a serious threat to more seasoned Awakened individuals.
Kieran now moved toward the Hunter's Guild notice board in Albrath's bustling center. This was where bounties for monster eliminations were posted. The board was crowded with people—both seasoned warriors and hopeful novices looking for easy coin.
Kieran walked past them silently, ignoring the hushed whispers and curious glances some cast his way. His reputation as "Shadow" preceded him—cold, ruthless, and efficient.
He scanned the board, his eyes skimming over various postings. Most tasks involved rank D or E monsters, minor nuisances plaguing nearby villages. Finally, his attention was drawn to a handwritten notice pinned to the board.
"Wanted: Scaled Beastwalker (C+). Last seen in Skarveth Forest. Reward: 700 gold coins. Note: The creature is fast and attacks with surprise."
Kieran reached out and tore the parchment from the board. The task suited his current needs—a rank C+ creature was strong enough to leave behind a crystal that might be green or better. And the monetary reward was high enough to justify the effort.
The Journey to Skarveth Forest
Skarveth Forest lay several hours' walk from Albrath. As always, Kieran traveled alone, his steps silent as he followed rocky paths and open fields. His mind was focused, analyzing every detail of the bounty, preparing for what might lie ahead.
Skarveth Forest was infamous for its dangers. Dense, shadowy, and damp, it was a perfect hiding place for monsters that thrived in secrecy. This was not a place one entered unprepared.
When Kieran reached the forest's edge, he stopped to assess the situation. Drawing his sword from its sheath, he lightly ran his fingers along the hilt, ensuring the magic within the blade remained stable.
"C+, hmm," he muttered to himself. "Probably fast, maybe some poison too."
He stepped into the forest, moving cautiously between the towering trees. Each step was deliberate, every sound in the vicinity carefully analyzed.
Signs of the Monster
After several minutes of walking, Kieran noticed signs of the beast's presence—deep paw prints in the soft earth and a tree with bark slashed by something sharp. Kneeling, he touched the tracks. They were fresh.
Suddenly, a faint rustle of leaves came from behind him. He turned swiftly, raising his sword, but nothing was there.
"Clever," he murmured, narrowing his eyes.
The monster was nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Kieran slowly backed into a more open area where he would have more room to maneuver. He knew the creature would attack by surprise—he had to be ready for anything.
Without warning, a sleek figure shot out of the dense underbrush. The monster resembled the one he had slain earlier—a scaled Beastwalker, but larger and faster. Its eyes glinted with intelligence, and its movements were almost unpredictable.
Kieran stepped into his dimension. The world around him froze in grayscale, time itself seeming to halt. He shifted a few steps to the side, reemerging from the dimension just as the creature landed where he had stood moments before.
The battle was only beginning.