Erdwatch as the city was a result of centuries of effort toward optimization and efficiency. Everything built was catered to satisfy the needs of hunters. From potion shops to armory outlets, everything a hunter would need to outset their journey was made available.
The forest was dimly lit as the night had fallen. I briefly observed Amara's expression, noting her delight at the surge in her attributes that Moon's Blessing promised.
Early pangs of hunger had started their assault on my belly when we finally glimpsed the faint glimmer of the river surface. Even before that, our perception had alerted us to the sound of gushing waters.
Jacob ambled at the forefront, his compass back within his inner pockets as a placid expression graced his features. He turned around at the riverbank, addressing each of us with a smile and a hearty tone.
"I'm glad to see each one of you vital and sharp. And I would personally like to express my gratitude to both Hunter Markus and Huntress Amara, who have lent their aid when we required it the most."
I offered a gentle smile, though Amara remained impassive. Jacob continued. "With that said, let's make haste and assist our brothers and sisters who no doubt are expecting our return."
The path that we led followed along the riverbank. I was mildly curious about the absence of other parties but contributed it to the distance and timing.
When we finally gazed upon the sky-touching wall built of stone, wood, and lime mortar, it was under the pitch blackness that only our enhanced perception was able to pierce through. Amara and I exchange a glance before following a step behind Jacob and his band of acolytes.
Our steady and silent stride took us near the rocky behemoth, where I was finally able to catch a glimpse of a rope ladder extending from an alcove carved about 50 feet above the ground. Jacob was the first to climb, followed closely by his acolytes.
"Are you sure you want to go inside?" Amara asked solemnly.
I nodded and motioned toward the ladder. She eyed me for moments longer before crouching slightly and shooting off. I stood with my move agape and watched as a tendril of shadow extending to anchor and pull her within the alcove.
My gaze briefly drifted to my own legs and then to the alcove from which Amara stood shaking her head. I clicked my tongue and used the ladder to climb.
When I finally arrived within the hollow cavity, I realized it was actually a hole that led to the other side of the wall. I had never seen or heard of this before, so it stood to reason that they had constructed, or rather deconstructed, a minute portion to allow entry for their scouts.
"Welcome back!" A rugged voice announced itself and attracted our attention toward a stout man with an unruly mop of hair and a gray, unkempt beard. He wore attire distinct of a hunter affiliated with the guild but working under the management sector.
Jacob erupted in laughter and hugged the man while expressing how happy he was to see him. He then turned to us and pointed at Amara and me. "If it weren't for their help, I might not have made it back. Don't forget to note their achievements."
The man nodded and looked over us, a flicker of confusion dancing on his brows. Jacob was a D-rank hunter, and to require our assistance would at the very least put our strength close to or higher than his. And even in the Erdwatch, practically run by hunters, C-Ranks were a limited resource.
"Allow me to have our men escort you to your lodgings." He said, waving toward the other end. "The city is abuzz with activity as we are still trying to establish a sense of stability. That said, we have prepared quarters and food to be served to all who perform well."
"Thanks." I nodded in appreciation and was led to the precipice. Amara peered at the empty ground and then at the city proper bustling with activity. She shot me a taunting look and took a step forward.
None of us had any time to react before gravity took hold and pulled her down. Except for me, the rest were shocked and appalled at the happening. Then we saw a dome of shadows bloom beneath her feet and cushion her fall.
"That...!" The short man reeled from the surprise while Jacob fared no better, more astonished at her audacity than her capability.
"Come on down!" Amara hollered from below. She beckoned with her hands. "Jump!"
I looked back at the faces of those behind, finding them all staring at me expectantly. Hesitation overtook my body before I saw Amara's expression. I steeled my resolve and buried the agitation.
Then I jumped.
A sense of weightlessness engulfed me, my heart beating a thunderous beat. Then the laws of the world enacted themselves, and I found myself falling. This time, though, instead of an abyss of despair, it was a beautiful moon that awaited my descent.
Just before I hit the ground, a shadowy construct took shape and prevented me from turning into meat-shake. It bounced me upward slightly, offsetting the buildup of momentum, and then disappeared and allowed me to land on my feet.
I laughed and reveled in the feel of the adrenaline rush. My Dragon Heart roared in excitement, and I directed my attention toward my companion. She winked at me with a graceful smile etched on her face.
"That was wonderful." I said, moving closer. "Thanks."
She shrugged and made to speak up, but I snatched her lips before she could utter a single word. They were soft and delicate and tasted of sweetness.
The kiss itself was short and chaste, and I pulled back shortly after. She blinked her eyes, mouth faintly agape. "You—"
"Shh, don't say anything." I put a finger on her lips. "And thanks again."
Amara stood still, reeling from the experience. Her hand subconsciously wandered to her lips, the lingering touch and warmth coating her skin with a healthy blush. During that time, a man had arrived and asked us to follow him.
We were led through the markets rife with activity. Men and women alike shuffled with anxious energy and looked every bit as worn down as I had expected. Streets were lit prominently by the Mana-powered lamps, casting an electric blue glow onto cobblestone streets.
I had heard of the tinted glass they used in Vaelin, meant to offer a better shade and regal atmosphere. I was told they burned a rich gold in color, as deep as the sun that shone in the daylight sky. Though I was fairly sure the sun didn't actually shine golden.
Our short traipse lasted in silence, Amara in particular avoiding my gaze. Whether it was in embarrassment or irritation, I was going to find out in the hard way.
"This part doesn't seem as heavily affected as I had expected." I spoke in hopes of gleaning further information.
The man had been instructed by the guilder, who supposedly worked in the management sector. He took note of my attempt at conversation and deftly replied.
"West of the Erdwatch, alongside the Feylance Barony, suffered less than the portion right in the middle. Rosenthal County, while also under siege, faces much less pressure than us due to the sheer number of monsters that flood our gates."
I wondered if the river had played any part in keeping the Barony safe. Though I was relieved to learn that my home had at least avoided being overrun by the monsters. My father still lived there, after all.
"The most troublesome so far has been the intersection where the guild is situated."
The geography of the Erdwatch was an interesting illustration. While it bordered the End Forest to the south, the city itself spanned horizontally, covering three-quarters of Feylance Barony and half of Rosenthal County. On the West side lay the Feylance Barony and on the East Rosenthal County. While right up North was the Leroux Barony.
Despite holding such a strategic location, the Emperor had handed it over to the guild to manage. A curious development, especially when considering the fact that the royal family wasn't lacking in terms of powerful hunters.
I was still ruminating over the political landscape when our escort announced that we had arrived at our destination.
I looked ahead at the building that was a mixture of wood and stones, with the latter used more prominently. It was an inn, but the one I had never seen before. Of course my lack of familiarity could be attributed to the fact that I had rarely visited this part of the city.
As we were led inside, I could see a number of men being tended to while resting atop their straw beds. Thankfully we were escorted to a separate room on the second floor with a wooden bed with fleece blankets.
"Could I trouble you to bring us some food and water?" I posed with a humble smile, and the man could only agree.
During the intermission I mapped out the area and noted the lack of a second bed. A knock on the door alerted me to his return, and the smell of hot food squashed any doubts of his identity. I opened the door, accepted the steaming tray and water jug, and bid him a peaceful night.
Now, I had to address the gloomy vampire that had been staring daggers at my back since earlier. I dearly hoped I lived through this night.
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