Chapter 4: Return to Albrath
Kieran, despite the throbbing pain in his left arm, maintained a steady pace as he exited the shadowy Skarveth Forest. The wounds were superficial, but the discomfort served as a reminder that even the smallest mistake could mean death. The green crystal he had acquired rested safely in his pouch, hidden from prying eyes.
He reached the gates of Albrath just as the sun began to set. The massive doors, flanked by guards in gleaming armor, looked even more imposing in the evening light. The sentries, though wary of strangers, didn't question Kieran. His codename, Shadow, had gained a certain renown in these parts—or perhaps a reputation that discouraged unnecessary conversation.
Walking through the crowded streets, he didn't attract much attention. Despite his dark cloak and the sword at his side, he was just another figure among merchants, beggars, and travelers. Still, Kieran remained vigilant. He knew that while the city was safer than the wilderness, it held dangers of its own.
He arrived at the Hunter's Guild building, where the bounty board and office for verifying completed tasks and distributing rewards were located. The interior was spacious, with high, ornate beams supporting the ceiling. In the center stood a long table where other hunters sat—some scanning new bounty postings, others sharing tales of their exploits.
Kieran approached the desk where a middle-aged man with sharp features and graying hair sat. This was Elric, one of the Guild's overseers, known for treating all hunters with the same strict demeanor, regardless of their reputation.
"Shadow," Elric said, barely looking up from the ledger he was reading. "Do you have something for me?"
Kieran placed the parchment detailing the bounty for the C+ Beastwalker on the desk.
"Job's done," he said curtly.
Elric glanced at the parchment and raised an eyebrow.
"You know I'll have to verify it, right?" he asked, though his tone made it clear this wasn't a question.
Kieran nodded. He understood that the Guild took these procedures seriously, especially for tasks involving higher-ranked monsters.
Elric retrieved a small golden object from a drawer—a device resembling a miniature sphere etched with intricate patterns. It was a memory prism, a rare artifact used to record and verify memories. For it to work, the user needed to touch the prism and focus on a specific memory.
"Touch it," Elric instructed, sliding the prism toward Kieran. "I want to see how you killed the Beastwalker."
Kieran stared at the prism with a cold expression. He disliked sharing his memories, even fragments of them. The prism could only capture what the user consciously chose to reveal, but even so, Kieran felt a sense of reluctance.
After a moment's hesitation, he placed his hand on the artifact. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the moment his sword pierced the Beastwalker's throat. The vision was brief but detailed enough to prove his claim.
The prism glowed faintly, and Elric lifted it to his eye to review the recorded memory. After a few seconds, he nodded.
"That's sufficient," Elric said, returning the prism to the drawer. "You killed it. Rare to see creatures of that rank so close to the city."
Elric opened a chest behind his desk and retrieved a pouch filled with gold coins.
"Seven hundred, as promised," he said, sliding the pouch toward Kieran.
Kieran picked up the sack without asking any questions or offering thanks. Elric studied him for a moment.
"You always get the job done, Shadow," he said with a slight smile. "But let me tell you something. If these Beastwalkers are showing up more often, it might mean there's something bigger nearby. Something that's drawing them in."
Kieran stared at him impassively, then turned and walked toward the exit. The wound on his arm and the green crystal hidden in his pouch occupied his thoughts as he disappeared into the streets of Albrath.