Kieran moved quietly through the bustling streets of Albrath, weaving past merchants and passersby. Though the city was alive with activity, his senses remained sharp. His wounds, now bandaged, still served as a reminder of how quickly a fight could turn deadly.
As he walked down a less crowded alley, he noticed a figure leaning against a wall. It was a man in a dark, intricately embroidered cloak that drew the eye. He had long, silvery hair tied back and dark eyes that seemed to shine with an inner light.
"Shadow, isn't it?" the man asked, pushing himself off the wall and stepping closer.
Kieran narrowed his eyes, not stopping.
"Depends on who's asking."
The man smiled faintly.
"My name is Arlen. I need your help."
Kieran stopped, fixing him with a cold stare.
"Help? I don't usually work with others."
"I know," Arlen replied, spreading his hands in a calming gesture. "But this is a unique situation. I want to kill a rank B monster. I can't do it alone."
Kieran raised an eyebrow.
"If it's rank B, why not ask someone from the Guild? There are plenty of hunters eager for that kind of challenge."
Arlen sighed.
"Most are either too scared or demand too much in return. You have a reputation for being efficient and not making unnecessary demands."
"What do you mean by 'too much'?" Kieran asked, intrigued.
"They want both the mission reward and the crystal," Arlen explained. "I'm offering something simpler: whoever lands the final blow gets the crystal."
Kieran studied the man in silence, analyzing his words.
"Why do you care so much about the mission reward?" he finally asked.
Arlen smiled mysteriously.
"That's my business. Let's just say it's something that needs to stay between me and the Guild."
Kieran disliked vague answers, but something about Arlen's demeanor suggested he wasn't going to reveal more.
"And the mission reward—what's its value?" Kieran asked again.
Arlen shook his head.
"That's a secret. But trust me, it's a fair deal. You'll gain more than you lose. The question is: are you in or not?"
Kieran hesitated. He usually avoided partnerships, but the proposal was tempting. A rank B crystal could be blue—something he'd never had the chance to obtain.
"Tell me about the monster," he said at last.
Arlen nodded and pulled a map from his bag.
"The monster's name is Monos. It's in a deep ravine south of the city. It looks like a gorilla, but it's purple, has four arms, and one eye. From its back, six appendages extend, resembling tails with sharp, bladed tips."
Kieran raised his brows as he listened to the description.
"And its magical ability?"
Arlen looked at him seriously.
"According to reports, the monster can generate energy waves that push back its opponents. They're not particularly destructive, but they make it difficult to get close enough to strike."
Kieran nodded, processing the information.
"Sounds tricky. What's your ability?" he asked, his eyes locking onto Arlen.
The man smiled faintly.
"My ability lets me control the wind. I can change its direction and speed, which gives me an edge in battle. But against Monos, it might not be enough."
Kieran regarded him for a moment, weighing the proposal.
"Fine," he said finally. "We'll try. But if things go wrong, I won't be worrying about you."
Arlen grinned.
"Deal."
Kieran gave a slight nod and turned, heading toward the city's southern gate.
"Meet me in an hour at the city's edge," he said over his shoulder.
Arlen nodded in agreement and walked off in the opposite direction.