Chapter 32: Hunt Begins
The Next Day...
With the morning sun casting a golden hue across the rooftops, Ryu adjusted the strap of his borrowed travel pack and stepped out through the city gate. Only a basic F grade sword and some rations were there in the name of gears.
The massive iron doors slowly closed behind him with a dull groan, cutting him off from the safety of the Fortress City. Before him stretched a quiet path winding through dry plains and patches of dense woodland.
In his pocket, he carried a rolled-up parchment. A basic F-Rank quest issued by the Hunter Association. His task was simple on paper: scout the nearby ruins of Old Kraymore, a long-abandoned village three miles to the northeast, and confirm the presence of any Hollowfied creatures. No engagement was required, only observation and a brief report. Reward: 50 Silver
"Not bad for a warm-up," Ryu muttered to himself, his voice calm but alert.
The journey was quiet, save for the rustling of trees and the whisper of wind against his clothes. The sun filtered through the shifting canopy, painting patterns of gold on the dirt path ahead.
Along the way, Ryu spotted other hunters. Some moved in tight-knit groups, sharing laughter and weapons. Others traveled in pairs, their eyes sharp and conversations hushed. A few, like him, walked alone, silent shadows threading through the wilderness on paths of their own.
He would not have minded some company. A voice to share the silence, a blade to guard his back. But he had too many secrets. His dragon blood, his transformation, his origins — any of it could bring disaster if whispered into the wrong ears.
For now, solitude was his shield.
So with steady steps and a quiet resolve, Ryu walked forward alone.
Every few steps he took, he scanned the surroundings with his heightened senses. Though in his human form, his hydra bloodline kept his instincts razor sharp. He passed by broken fences, toppled signposts, and the eerie remnants of a forgotten civilization buried in dust and time.