Walking towards a fenced compound, several individuals could be seen with misheavled hair, dirty and blood dripping from their bodies.
They looked like they had just come out of a brutal fight.
But in this place, who didn't look that way? The forest had received a sudden influx of fighters the past few days, not just on this part of course but every where.
These were young master of the myriad clans, and thrill seekers who saw and opportunity and sought to grab it.
"We're almost at capacity, please don't waste too much time in there" a guard at the gate said looking at the group of 6
The news about the gate opening had spread through the blacksteel shelter driving a lot of people mad with their fear of ambition.
The last gate had made a lot of hero's, this one wouldn't be any different.
"Okay" after presenting their slayer licenses, Victoria and the rest of her team Entered the outpost.
It had been a very hectic day, and the sun was already setting. They had to rest for at least a few minutes without looking over their shoulders.
"Sell the Soul crystal" as soon as they reached the middle of the outpost, Victoria spoke to Hamdel giving a direct command. She looked gracefully as can be, a look of calm and focus on her face.
The exact opposite could be said of course in relation to a few others.
-boom
"Fucking hell" Barthold fell to the floor laying directly on his back as he slowly closed his eyes from exhaustion.
The surrounding slayers looked over at the giant young man on floor as their hearts slipped a beat from his crash. Did he collapse or something? They all thought.
However, it was quite evident that this was not the case, as soon after he started snorring loudly falling into a deep sleep.
He was more than exhausted, all the fights from the past few months were nothing compared to fighting that one sacred beast. He wanted nothing more than to sleep off.
There was no way he would though, because dispite how tired he was, he was also extremely happy.
Killing that beast had pushed him to the peak of level 4. He was only one step away from reaching Yellow.
"Sigh" Jemie too sat on his but next to Barthold. But there was no hint of sleep in his eyes. Yes he felt tired, yes his body was aching.
But there was no way he could fall asleep.
He had fallen behind, he needed to be the one to kill the next Tortie, if not he would be left in the dust.
"Hmm, I see why you picked them" beside Victoria, the young man in blade amour and green hair smiled slyly.
Even with the help of his little sister viper, it should be impossible for one of these two to kill one of the sacred Torties. The fact they had accomplished it was beyond mind bugling.
They were truly talented.
"Hehe, they are talented" she smiled walking towards a counter while subtly dodging the other slayers around. There she ordered an energizied water and slowly gulped it down.
Jemie was the son of a famed sword man of the shelter who was on the rise but eventually died, his family was in shambles and he had no one directly related remaining, but what he had was his talent.
When you have only one thing to rely on, it was much easier to actually excel in that.
Barthold was much different, although his family was still alive, he was the fourth son of a very prominent family. His grandfather was even once the shield bearer for the blacksteel lord.
He was talented, but not as talented as the rest of his brothers so he was neglected by his parents, But what he couldn't make up for in talent he doubled with sheer grit.
They didn't see that, but she did, and much more.
"More talented than me?" Thane, the black knight asked as soon as Victoria turned to him. On his face was a look of amusement.
"In the entire blacksteel shelter, I'm not sure there's anyone more talented than you" Victoria shook her head. Even now, they were several eyes on thane, some trying to confirm if he was who they thought he was.
"Ahh, that's not true, you're far more talented than I" thane shook his head admitting defeat. However, before he could speak a tap sounded on his back forcing him to look back.
There a young lady with blue eyes and dreamy hair could be seen looking at him with some excitement written on her face.
"Uh…sorry to intrude…but are you by any chance lord Thane? The black Blade" The young girl spoke shyness glowing in her face as she looked at Thane.
"Ahh yes. I am that Thane" Thane smiled bitterly as he saw the glow in the young ladies eyes beam even brighter.
From out of nowhere she hugged him jumping up and down like a fan girl.
Thane was one of the many sons of the blacksteel family, to put in perspective he was to 25th born of the lord of the black steel shelter. That meant that he had a lot of brothers to contend with in terms of fame, but still he was extremely popular.
This was simply because he was a people's person, he would wave whenever passing by, help the poor and protect the weak. The definition of what a leader should be and people loved him for it.
Plus he was especially handsome.
"It really is him"
"What's he doing here"
"Don't tell me wild Thane is also entering the gate"
"That's wild, who else wants to join this thing"
The crowd broke into whispers seeing their suspicions were confirmed, soon highborn nobles trooped forward one after the other to give their greetings and respect, creating a sort of scene.
Thane of course handled it very well and before anyone knew it he was able to extract himself and walk back toward Victoria.
However, he was shocked to see that she stood infront of a wall with a frown on her face.
"Isn't that Guilliman?" Thane asked his eyes also showing concern.
"Yes it is" she nodded then looked to the lady behind the counter and asked.
"Can I have a copy of this wanted poster?"