Hiner started the day as usual: getting up early, doing some exercises at home, and preparing breakfast. A freshly made banana pancake and some juice. The secret to success is routine, training, and planning, he always said. He always tried to keep up with the training and planning part, but the routine was going to become difficult from now on.

He looked at the calendar on the refrigerator. The next five days were all circled. He didn't even need to mark this reminder; the dates were etched in his memory like a scar, but Hiner had a flair for the dramatics. What fun is there in doing something if it can't be a spectacle?

The smell of the pancake snapped him out of his musings. Hiner flipped it with a spatula, adjusting the temperature of the fire crystal. This was a good analogy for his plans. Controlling the intensity of his actions, changing the sides of the people involved, adjusting the preparation according to the situation... Everything in due time, manipulating the right people. The use of violence, although not to his liking, would be necessary. He would end up killing some people along the way, but it was a price he was willing to pay. It's not like he had never killed anyone before.

Hiner finished his meal and remained seated. His reflection in the window reminded him that he was no longer young. The few grey hairs in his stubble and slicked-back black hair gave him an air of seriousness, while his green eyes shone shone with great mental acuity. Hiner was an attractive man, with lightly bronzed skin and an inviting smile. But few people saw him up close since he was extremely reclusive. It was the only way to live, as Hiner was wanted throughout Kairos, with a hefty reward for his capture.

Hiner was the most known person on the entire planet, second only to Baruc. While one was known for his revolutionary inventions, innovative technologies, and benevolence towards the entire population, the other was almost a mythical being. Little was known for certain about Hiner's origin, but the stories tell that he is an extremely powerful Dark Wizard, capable of manipulating crystal energy and Creatures. Residents from different cities recount that he randomly appears, attacking the population without apparent reason.

Hiner looked at the calendar once again, quickly getting up. He finished getting ready, anticipating his daily plan. He placed his hand on the doorknob, closed his eyes, and said:

"Aestus and Orkan, I hope you're prepared for me."

***

Aestus woke up at his usual early hour, lying on his back and slowly opening his eyes. His room was in a pleasant dim light, and he felt tempted to go back to sleep, but even if he wanted to, Aestus was a person of strict habits and couldn't sleep for a minute longer. He didn't get up immediately, instead replaying the events of the previous night in his mind. His oldest friendship had ended, and it was his fault.

Turning onto his stomach, Aestus placed his large pillow over his head as if he could muffle his thoughts. The silence of his room contrasted with the turmoil of his thoughts, his guilt. He really thought he could "fix" Orkan, that he could "save" him. And he was exposed yesterday in the most foolish way. Orkan managed to read his intentions in an instant. And he even attributed it to the death of his parents.

It wasn't as if he was completely wrong. Aestus hadn't fully processed that fact yet, but the truth was that since he was a child, he cared about justice, about doing everything right. The world would be a better place if people were more just. Although Comanse is predominantly inhabited by Humanoids, there are other races on the planet. Kairos is home to five distinct races, with their own historical conflicts and debts between them. The relationships among them can be described with many words, but "peaceful" is not one of them.

Aestus was lost in his thoughts about interpersonal and interracial relations when he heard a noise in the distance. He removed the pillow from his head, thinking it might be his imagination. He looked around the room, trying to locate the source of the sound. His bed was in the middle of the spacious room. It was a wide and very comfortable bed with pristine white sheets. To his left was the closed dark wooden wardrobe, with all his clothes neatly folded and his armor hanging, in urgent need of repairs. To his right was his simple but sturdy desk, everything in its place, and the bedroom door, closed.

Aestus heard the noise again, two soft knocks on his window. He noticed that the light coming through the blinds was being blocked, which wasn't reasonable considering his room was on the second floor of a two-story house. Curious, Aestus got up, pulling the sheets aside. He unlocked and opened the window, only to come face to face with Orkan, hanging on the window frame, eating an apple.

"Oh, you're awake. What a relief. I thought I was going to hang there all morning, waiting for you to wake up from your probable depression," Orkan said, already jumping into the room with agility. He was well-dressed, with his blonde hair neatly combed and parted in the middle. His scruffy beard added a certain charm, contributing to the roguish look he so often cultivated.

"Aren't you going to get ready? I thought you'd be dressed and fed by this time," Orkan said, finishing his apple. "But your chest and abs are looking fantastic, my friend. Share your training routine with me later."

Only then did Aestus realize he was only wearing his pajama shorts. He never expected to receive a visit through the window, especially not from Orkan. But Aestus's body was indeed incredible, with heavy muscular mass and impressive definition. He trained, of course, but his physique was primarily due to his Class.

"Orkan, I wasn't expecting you... I..."

"You regret what you said and think I'm an amazing person, I know," Orkan interrupted, placing a hand on Aestus's shoulder. "It's alright, my friend, I forgive you. Now let's go and earn some crystals."

Aestus was stunned. He knew Orkan was a resentful and impatient person. It was unlikely that he had resolved his anger so quickly. Besides, his friend had said some harsh words yesterday. It wasn't as if Aestus was solely to blame. He remained rooted to the spot, trying to decide what to do or say. Orkan seemed to decipher his friend's thoughts.

"Look, now seriously. We were both idiots yesterday. We said things without thinking much. You hurt me a lot, so I said what I thought would hurt you the most. It was just a defense mechanism, I'm sorry."

"I don't think you need fixing, my friend," Aestus replied, lowering his head.

"Oh, no. I'm a mess, alright! Hahaha!" Orkan laughed loudly, waving his hand in the air. "You just caught me off guard. I know we see the world differently, and that's okay." Orkan ran his hand through Aestus's hair.

"Do you still want to be my hunting partner then?"

"But of course, my friend. Who else can put up with me in this little town?" Orkan sat on the bed, absentmindedly stroking the sheet. "Now go get ready. We have a Flaming Deer to hunt."

Aestus had harbored a faint hope that his friend had given up on this Hunt, but it was obvious that wasn't the case. Aestus quickly got dressed, changed his clothes, grabbed a sandwich to eat on the way, and offered another one to Orkan. They left Aestus's house shortly afterward, wasting no time. However, Aestus needed to get something off his chest before they proceeded.

"Okay, Orkan. You convinced me: let's do this Hunt. But I want it to be very clear that I still think what we're doing is wrong. And I also think we run the risk of being expelled from the Guild. But..." Aestus paused, unsure if he should continue.

"But the challenge is too enticing, and you believe you're capable of achieving it," Orkan completed his friend's train of thought. Aestus simply nodded, with a nearly imperceptible movement. "I know you too well!"

The two friends walked excitedly through the streets of the town. Comanse was a very pleasant village, perfect for living if you wanted a quiet place. It was the complete opposite of what the two young men desired. They were both passionate about excitement and adventure, ever since they were children.

After leaving the residential district, where Aestus' house was located, with well-maintained houses and spacious gardens, they entered a more commercial neighborhood. Here, the properties were closer to each other, but still managed to be beautiful and welcoming. Aestus entered a Blacksmith's shop, which had just opened for business. Orkan followed suit.

The interior of the shop was typical of a traditional Blacksmith, which contrasted with some technological equipment. The inventions and discoveries that Baruc brought to Kairos quickly revolutionized the way people lived, causing this blend of environments. The Blacksmith had antique tools and brick ovens, but also modern devices and contraptions that Aestus couldn't even determine the function of. Crystal energy was responsible for many of the functioning equipment, combining science and magic.

"Two young Hunters, I presume," the Blacksmith said upon seeing the boys enter his shop, analyzing their attire and damaged armor. He was a short and very strong man, completely bald with a well defined goatee.

The two confirmed, explaining briefly what had happened, requesting repairs as well as an inspection of their weapons. Orkan and Aestus materialized their weapons, presenting them to the professional. He carefully examined the longsword and the pair of daggers, testing the blades and grips. Then, he informed them:

"Your garments and armor indeed need a complete repair, but the weapons are in good condition. I can enhance them if you wish. You'll be able to fight better, defeat stronger Creatures. How about it?"

The two agreed, inquiring about the price. They could afford it without worries after all the contracts from the previous day. The Blacksmith then focused, using his skills. Intense red light emitted from his hands towards the Hunters' garments and armor. In an instant, it was as if the items had been freshly crafted. They even smelled new. He then worked on the weapons, holding Aestus' sword by the handle with his left hand. The blacksmith raised his right hand, conjuring a hammer made of red light. He struck the blade of the sword twice, producing crimson sparks upon impact. The same was done with Orkan's daggers. The man then examined the weapons, proud of his work.

"Your weapons are simple but very well-made, congratulations. I found this crystal here quite interesting," the Blacksmith said, pointing to the base of Aestus' sword hilt. "Does it have any energy? I couldn't sense anything."

"Well, actually, no. It's a family heirloom, so I wanted to keep it close at all times," Aestus explained.

The Blacksmith seemed disappointed with the explanation but didn't say anything more. He then charged for the job, and the young men left the establishment, happy with the efficiency of the service. They also stopped by a potion shop, stocking up on healing potions and ones for burns. Today's hunt promised many injuries. They were now prepared for the challenge, the test of their skills.

Orkan checked the address of the contractor, confirming it belonged to Mrs. Dessine, who lived on a large farm just outside the eastern part of the city. Orkan and Aestus hurried to the location, jogging at a controlled pace to warm up and prepare their muscles. The property was beautiful and well-maintained, with a large two-story house next to a towering tree. A middle-aged woman, very beautiful, emerged from the door, wearing a dark red apron and a brown scarf on her head, matching her neatly tied ponytail. She saw the young men approaching and approached them, wiping her hands on the apron.

"Good morning! By your attire, you seem to be Hunters. You came for the contract I posted, right?" She spoke quickly, not giving the young men a chance to respond. "Strange, I haven't received any notification from Barthos. But I won't complain. Let's get going because I want that Creature away from my crops as soon as possible."

Aestus controlled his anxiety, trying not to reveal that they were engaging in irregular activity. But the more he tried to hide it, the worse his expression became. He seemed to be in physical pain, furrowing his brow and pressing his lips together. Orkan, noticing his friend's physical and mental suffering, took the lead in the conversation.

"Yes, it's us. We've been Hunters for a while, and this hunt should be fairly simple. Here's the contract," Orkan quickly showed the paper they had taken from the Guild, "and we'll go and resolve this issue for you, ma'am. Where does the Creature usually stay?"

"Hold on a second," Dessine said, extending her palm toward Orkan as if telling him to stop. "I may have been born without a Class, but I'm not stupid. That contract doesn't seem to have Barthos's signature. I recognize that scribble from a mile away. Are you really from the Guild?"

Aestus went into despair, breaking out in a cold sweat. He hadn't anticipated facing this problem right before the hunt. He took a step back, seeing only Orkan's back. The Knight was certain his friend would be as nervous as he was, but Orkan remained rooted in place, showing no signs of being shaken. A gentle breeze lifted Orkan's hair, carrying a musky scent to Aestus. Even from behind, his friend seemed to emit a subtle golden aura. Orkan approached Mrs. Dessine, taking hold of her right hand. He looked directly into the woman's eyes, who appeared taken aback.

"It was all a misunderstanding, lovely lady," Orkan said, with a velvety voice that Aestus had never heard his friend use before. A strange shiver ran down Aestus's spine. "Barthos was very busy and forgot to sign the document, but you can trust us. We are here to help you." He caressed the back of the woman's hand.

Dessine blushed, bringing her left hand to her face. She couldn't take her eyes off Orkan, as if hypnotized. She then nodded, indicating the direction where the Flaming Deer was, stumbling over her words. Orkan released her hand and headed in the indicated direction without looking back. Aestus quickly followed, wanting to get away from Mrs. Dessine as soon as possible. When they were far enough away, Aestus asked:

"What did you do to that woman?"

Orkan looked at his friend with a smirk on his face. He clearly felt proud of what had just happened.

"After the battles yesterday, I felt that I had acquired new abilities. So when that lovely woman put us in a tight spot, I realized what I could do. It's not just contracts that I can steal, if you catch my drift."

Aestus made a confused expression, trying to understand. But soon everything made sense to him; he hadn't realized that his friend had put his Rogue abilities to use.

"You stole her heart?!" Aestus asked incredulously. "I thought it was just a legend that Rogues could do that."

"My perfect hair and blue eyes help a lot, but I won't deny that I had to use some of my Rogue talent."

Aestus was genuinely impressed with his friend and how much he had evolved overnight. Once again, it wasn't the right thing to do from his point of view, but it had helped them greatly. Now that they were so deeply involved in the hunt, giving up was no longer an option. Aestus congratulated his friend on his skill and quick thinking but asked them to focus. A tough battle was ahead. They walked through Mrs. Dessine's expansive grain plantation, feeling the vegetation caress their faces and bodies. The sun was rising rapidly, gently warming the day. A sudden gust of wind brought a subtle smell of burning underbrush, indicating that the Creature was close by.

The two Hunters reached the edge of the plantation, surveying the area. They could see some plants eaten, as well as a large portion of them burned. The damage caused by the Flaming Deer was significant, explaining Mrs. Dessine's urgency. One area still had smoke rising from it. Near that spot, Aestus spotted and pointed out a path of scorched grass leading into the forest, indicating the likely path taken by the deer. The two friends followed the tracks of the Creature slowly, entering the dense forest.

The temperature difference was noticeable. The shade of the trees created a more humid and cool atmosphere. Following the traces left by the deer was more challenging now, as there was no distinct grassy trail; the ground was primarily covered in moss and leaves. Orkan sharpened his senses, acting almost instinctively. After a few minutes, the Rogue signaled with his hand for Aestus to stop, placing a finger on his lips, requesting silence. The Knight approached his friend, looking in the direction of his gaze. Their target was a few meters away. The Flaming Deer was a beautiful animal, with a copper-colored fur, the tips of its hair resembling small flames. Its small antlers glowed like embers, as if its insides were made purely of heat. It was feeding on some small plants, its ears flickering, emitting small sparks.

The two friends had never seen a Flaming Deer before, and it was truly a fantastic sight. Aestus tried to get closer for a better look at the Creature but stepped on a twig, causing a dry snap. The deer immediately raised its head, looking in their direction with a pair of bright yellow eyes. As it did, a large flame rose and disappeared as quickly as it appeared. The Creature swiftly ran in the opposite direction, disappearing among the trees. A flock of birds took flight at the same time, startled by the sudden movement. Aestus apologized, but Orkan simply waved his hand, showing that he wasn't upset.

The boys followed the traces left by the deer once again, being twice as careful. However, even so, as they approached the location where the Creature was, the deer already noticed their presence and ran off again. They would never catch it this way. Perhaps the most challenging part of this hunt, Aestus thought, would be to engage in battle with the deer. They took a break, sitting on a fallen log. Orkan took two apples out of his waist pouch and offered one to Aestus, thinking aloud:

"Alright, we need a plan to at least get close to this darn thing. I didn't expect it to be so fast."

The two boys sat, eating their apples and brainstorming ideas. The place was very beautiful, with tall, leafy trees that still allowed sunlight to pass through. Birds could be heard chirping and flying occasionally, along with the sound of a distant stream. Orkan talked a lot, giving suggestions that weren't very well thought out, while Aestus remained mostly silent, mentally devising tactics. Perhaps that's why their friendship worked so well. The combination of their contrasting personalities created a balance. And physically, they were also quite distinct. Aestus had unblemished dark skin, a robust and strong body, with a serious expression and a friendlier smile. Orkan, on the other hand, had freckles on his fair skin, a more slender physique, and always wore a sarcastic grin (except when he was ranting about nothing).

After finishing their apples, the boys continued talking for a few more minutes and finally decided on a strategy. They checked their equipment and the potions they had bought, tested their materializers, and set off toward the deer, following the scorched vegetation. They walked a longer stretch this time until they spotted their target in the distance. They then separated. Aestus went in one direction, trying to be as quiet as possible, while Orkan circled around from the opposite side, keeping his eyes on the deer. He was naturally more stealthy than Aestus, given his Class predisposition. The Rogue was hoping for this plan to work and to show everyone, especially Aestus, that he was capable. After reaching the predetermined point, Orkan crouched down and waited.

Meanwhile, Aestus arrived at the planned location near the forest's edge and quickly started carrying out his part. He tied together an improvised rope made of vines, branches, and leaves to a medium-sized tree trunk. He positioned himself near another tree at a reasonable distance, where the deer would pass by. He mentally calculated the time it took, feeling satisfied that it was enough. Now, all that was left was to wait for the sounds that indicated the approaching Creature and his friend. His thoughts raced, trying to anticipate what the battle would be like, what moves he could use, what abilities would be useful. As much of a perfectionist as Aestus could be, enjoying having everything planned and rehearsed, he knew how to handle moments of improvisation. His personality wasn't that remarkable, but it also made him easy to get along with.

Before he could lose himself in his thoughts, Aestus heard the sound of trampled foliage, growing at an incredible speed. He glanced towards the source of the noise, behind the tree where he was hiding, without revealing his position. He caught a glimpse of the deer fleeing swiftly through the vegetation. Close behind was Orkan, running faster than Aestus had ever seen him. The Rogue threw his daggers towards the deer whenever it changed direction, guiding the Creature towards the gap between the trees where Aestus stood. The Knight positioned himself, holding one end of the makeshift rope in his hands. At the right moment, he pulled the rope with all his strength, holding it firmly, creating an obstacle at chest height for the deer.

With great force, the Creature hit the improvised rope, breaking it. As a result, the Creature was thrown to the ground, rolling several times across the grassy area, which had fewer trees than the forest interior. Seizing the moment when the deer rose to its feet, Orkan threw both daggers, hitting one of its hind legs. The Creature emitted a loud and terrifying sound, a mix of a grunt and a scream, unlike any noise a normal animal could produce. Simultaneously, the Creature burned with stronger flames, appearing entirely made of fire, becoming a much more menacing figure than before. A scent of burnt leaves permeated the area, although the vegetation remained unaffected. The deer glared at the two Hunters, its eyes gleaming. The hatred in its gaze felt like arrows ready to be unleashed.

Aestus remained by the tree, holding part of the broken rope, while Orkan crouched down, materializing his daggers once again. The real fight was about to begin, and the Knight was no longer sure if it had been a good idea. He swiftly materialized his sword, gripping it with both hands in front of his body, its blade positioned sideways like an improvised shield. Sweat trickled down his forehead and torso, caused by both nervousness and the heat radiating from the Creature. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at his friend, who was preparing to charge towards the deer. Before Aestus could stop him, Orkan dashed towards the opponent.

The deer stood on its hind legs, preparing for an attack. Orkan confronted the Creature face-to-face, attempting to evade its swinging front hooves. The Creature's movements caused small flames to be launched in the Rogue's direction, prompting him to step back. Sidestepping, he aimed for the deer's belly. Despite its injuries, the deer was still incredibly agile, managing to evade every attempt to strike it. Orkan was struck on the back by a hoof, feeling a slight but sharp pain, and immediately retreated.

Meanwhile, Aestus charged towards the battle, letting out a war cry, bolstering his own strength and that of his companion. He struck downward, aiming for the deer's head. The Creature defended itself using its antlers, flinging Aestus aside as if he were a branch that had snagged onto it. Taking advantage of the moment, Orkan attacked the deer from behind, but the Creature swung its tail in an arc, creating a large blaze. The Rogue leaped backward, narrowly avoiding a burn to his face. The enemy was incredibly agile, predicting and countering any attack on any part of its body.

The two friends stood at a distance from the Creature, weapons ready, unsure of how to attack exactly. They exchanged glances, trying not to lose sight of the deer, afraid that it might flee or charge at one of them. At least they would be safe if they maintained some distance, Aestus thought. A few seconds passed, which felt like weeks, as the boys tried to devise a strategy to at least approach the deer. Orkan signaled to Aestus, indicating that they should advance together, attacking from different angles. This way, one of them might land a blow since the Creature couldn't defend against both simultaneously. Aestus held his sword with only his right hand, placing his left arm in front of his body. Orkan turned the blades of his daggers downward, ready to strike swiftly. The silence in the clearing was agonizing, broken only by the faint crackling coming from the deer's flaming fur.

With a nod from Aestus, the two advanced simultaneously, running towards the Creature. The deer seemed uncertain about which opponent to face, alternating its gaze between them. When Aestus had reached the halfway point, the Creature threw its head back and, as it brought it forward again, hurled a fireball towards the Knight, emitting a muffled growl. Aestus had only enough time to bring his sword in front of him, using the blade's side as a shield. The impact was stronger than expected, dragging him backward and leaving him dazed. Orkan was astonished by this unexpected ability of the deer but didn't stop his advance, managing to land a thrust in the Creature's mid-back. Instinctively, it writhed, hitting Orkan with its antlers, causing him to fall backward. He felt his potion vials shattering inside his pouch.

Now focused on the Rogue, the deer threw another fireball in his direction. Orkan acted quickly, rolling backward to avoid being hit. Before he could regain his composure, the Creature began launching a barrage of smaller fireballs. Orkan ran, trying to circle around the deer and exit its line of sight. However, he wasn't fast enough, being hit on the arm and side of his torso, collapsing onto the grass. Orkan felt his skin burning, experiencing a pain unlike anything he had felt before. It was searing and incapacitating. He lacked the strength to get up and continue fighting, and without the potions he had brought, he wouldn't be able to assist his friend anymore.

Aestus had just recovered from the attack he had blocked when he saw his friend running from the onslaught. He was already running towards the deer when he heard Orkan scream in pain upon being hit. He paused for a moment to see what had happened and immediately redirected his attention to the deer. The Creature was preparing a larger fireball to execute Orkan, who was lying on the ground. Aestus covered the short distance that separated him from the opponent in split seconds. He realized that landing a sword strike wouldn't be fast enough, given the weight of his weapon, so he awkwardly kicked the Creature's neck. The deer still launched the fireball, but it hit the ground inches away from where Orkan was lying.

Now closer to the Creature and aware of its potential attacks, Aestus felt that the only strategy would be to engage in close combat. But he had no idea how to do that. His brain worked swiftly, but his thinking was hindered by concern for his friend. He couldn't look back, but he knew Orkan was alive from the sounds of his pained moans. Defeating the Creature was the only option to provide aid to Orkan. There was no retreating and trying again another time. Perhaps Barthos was right. They were not prepared for a challenge of this magnitude.

The deer advanced toward Aestus, forcing him to snap out of his thoughts. He took a step back, defending the onslaught with his sword. The Creature seemed to sense his opponent's fear, adopting a more aggressive stance. Aestus was now purely on the defensive, evading and defending against the attacks, occasionally getting grazed. His resilient skin and armor were adequately protecting him, at least for now. He tried to find an opening to counter-attack, but the Creature was relentless, attacking with its horns, hooves, and flames.

Aestus was growing tired and beginning to despair, yet he never considered fleeing or abandoning his friend. Suddenly, the deer pulled back. Without much thought, the Knight charged toward it, ready to strike at its left flank. The Creature lunged forward again, being lightly struck by the sword but dealing a direct hit to Aestus, who couldn't defend himself due to his own attack. He fell backward, his back hitting the ground, expelling the air from his lungs completely. Before he could rise, the deer was upon him, standing on its hind legs, poised to strike his head with its forelegs.

Aestus covered his face with his left arm, closing his eyes and attacking the deer with his sword as best he could. Through his half-closed and shielded eyes, he registered a brief but intense blue glow as his strike connected with the deer's belly. The Creature let out a sharp cry of pain, falling backward. Aestus rolled away, crouching down. He could see that the deer's flames had extinguished, as if it had been submerged in a tank of water. Without trying to comprehend what had happened, he seized the opportunity to attack the enemy.

The Knight gripped his sword with both hands, striking at the deer's neck with a downward blow. The sword effortlessly pierced through the Creature, beheading it. Before its head hit the ground, the Creature had already disintegrated, leaving behind a large, vibrant red crystal and several smaller transparent crystals. Aestus stood motionless for five seconds, unable to believe that victory was his. He was brought back to reality by Orkan, who still lay in agony nearby. Aestus rushed to his friend, reaching for healing and burn remedy potions from his belt.

Quickly, Aestus poured the contents of the vials onto Orkan's wounds, and he immediately began to recover. He sat up, examining his arm and torso, finding no signs of burns or scars. His shirt had been mostly burned away, partially exposing his extremely defined physique.

"I think it's you who needs to share your training and diet with me, my friend," Aestus joked.

Orkan chuckled awkwardly, standing up and attempting to clean his garments as best he could. He looked at the spot where the deer had been, marked by the charred vegetation and the crystals left behind. When it registered that they had defeated the Creature, Orkan raised both arms, celebrating enthusiastically, singing an impromptu fanfare and doing a lively dance. Aestus shook his head, but he was also pleased with the outcome. They had worked together and managed to defeat a formidable opponent. They made an efficient pair: one agile and the other strong. But Aestus felt they needed more hunting companions with different Classes.

Unexpectedly, Orkan embraced his friend tightly, expressing gratitude for not abandoning him. The display of affection lasted only a brief moment, as it was not in the Rogue's nature, but Aestus appreciated it. The two friends gathered the crystals from the scorched grass and headed back towards Mrs. Dessine's property. Orkan felt frustrated and somewhat embarrassed for not participating in the final moments of the battle, but he was still quite happy with the result. Aestus felt proud of himself for defeating the Creature, protecting his friend, and being able to help another person in the town.

The journey back took longer than they anticipated, and they arrived at the farmhouse in the early afternoon, famished. Dessine was kneeling in a herb garden near the house, deeply engrossed in her work. Upon noticing the arrival of the young men, she stood up, wiping her hands, dirt smearing her apron. Her hair was neatly arranged, with a large lock falling over her left eye and peeking out from under the headscarf. She smiled and greeted the two.

"Good afternoon! So, did you manage to defeat the Flaming Deer?" They responded affirmatively, beginning to recount the details of the battle but were interrupted by her. "Great, great. It took you so long that I thought you had given up or even died. I was about to contact Barthos, but I thought it best to wait. I'm still a bit skeptical about the contract... Can I see it again before signing?"

Aestus looked towards Orkan, already anticipating what was about to happen. He saw his friend adjusting his hair and flexing his abdomen, gazing intently into Mrs. Dessine's eyes. Even Aestus felt his heart beat faster- that ability was truly powerful. Orkan then spoke in a seductive voice:

"With great pleasure, ma'am. I would never deceive someone as beautiful as you." He handed her the contract, lightly caressing Mrs. Dessine's hand, which made her blush. "If you could sign and indicate that the service has already been completed, I would be extremely grateful." He winked.

Aestus was impressed by Orkan's audacity. He himself could never do something so bold. Quickly, Dessine signed the contract, adding a comment below, praising the work of the young men. She handed them the document, with a strange smile- not entirely natural, but still very lovely.

"I have food ready if you want to have lunch. You must be hungry," she said, addressing Orkan directly and completely ignoring Aestus.

Aestus was already heading towards the exit, thanking her for the offer, when Orkan replied, "Oh, but of course, we'd love to! I'm starving."

Mrs. Dessine took Orkan's hand and led him into the house. Aestus tried to protest, but he was quickly silenced by the Rogue. He was indeed famished, but this was pushing their luck too far. After trying to argue a few more times, Aestus finally accepted the fact that they would be eating there. The house was spacious, made of wood, with a staircase right in front of the entrance, leading to the upper floor. The kitchen was on the left, while on the right was a large living room with a big sofa and a television.

The kitchen blended rustic elements, such as a wood-burning stove and a clay water filter, with modern appliances, all powered by crystal energy. Most houses had this conflicting decor, combining simplicity, technology, and magic. The kitchen was spotlessly clean, filled with the wonderful aroma of well-seasoned homemade food. They all sat around the dining table, which was positioned next to a large window overlooking the magnificent tree next to the house. Aestus lived in a similar building, although not as large. He noticed Orkan looking around, amazed. His friend had led a simpler life and wasn't accustomed to this reality. Aestus understood Orkan's ambition, at least partially.

They had a delicious meal, but the ending felt somewhat rushed. Orkan's charm was wearing off, and Mrs. Dessine had a confused look on her face, as if she was trying to focus her vision after waking up. The Hunters thanked her for her hospitality and bid their farewells quickly, leaving the house and heading towards the Guild. Orkan glanced back and blew a kiss towards Dessine, who didn't react. She rubbed her face, and when she looked up again, they were no longer in sight.

Aestus and Orkan walked at a slower pace, in silence. Orkan was already planning how he would spend the money he was going to earn and thinking about how useful he had been in this hunt. The Knight, on the other hand, was digesting everything that had happened, including the rule-breaking, the battle, and Orkan's trust. A thought crossed Aestus' mind. He still hadn't understood what happened at the end of the fight, how he had weakened the fiery deer. He hesitated whether to ask Orkan or not, looking at his friend. He decided to put it aside, as he hadn't seen clearly what had happened himself.

They went back to the Blacksmith, who repaired their clothes without asking any questions, quickly returning to his work after receiving payment. Now they just had to go back to the Guild and face Barthos. He would be furious, for sure, and not even Orkan's most powerful charm could control the situation. Aestus's heart raced faster as they approached the beautiful building. When they rounded a corner and faced the Guild's doors, Aestus was already sweating profusely, extremely anxious and hyperventilating.

"Friend, calm down. You look like you're about to pass out, like you're going to throw up all of Mrs. Dessine's food," Orkan said, holding Aestus's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"I can't do it, Orkan. I don't know how to do things like this, the wrong way. Barthos will kick us out."

"Relax, I'll take all the blame. Worst case scenario, I'll get expelled, and you'll still be in the Guild." Aestus looked at his friend as if he had uttered a profane curse word. "But that's not going to happen, so don't worry."

Aestus closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing, trying to reduce his anxiety. Orkan patted his shoulder and headed towards the Guild. There was no turning back now. They entered, with Orkan leading the way and serving as a metaphorical shield. The Guild hall was quite empty, with only a few occupied tables. Aestus saw the oily-haired Warlock giving him a disdainful look, nudging the Spearwoman and pointing at the two young men. Waru was behind the bar, preparing a batch of red potions. Barthos was busy at the counter, apparently having trouble with the technology. The two newcomers approached the counter, with Orkan taking a deep breath before getting the attention of the burly man.

"Oh, look who showed up. Did you sleep in today? There are two new level one contracts, but one has already been assigned to a Guardian who arrived earlier. Do you want the other one? I think it's pretty simple, you guys can handle it," Barthos said, with a friendly tone.

"Well, something happened this morning..." Orkan began, taking the signed contract out of his pocket and placing it on the counter. Aestus looked down at his feet, scratching his eyebrow.

Barthos had a confused expression on his face. He looked at the contract, then at the notice board, and back at the contract. It was almost as if the pieces were clicking into place in his brain. He placed both hands on the counter and looked at the two young men. Orkan stared at Barthos with a neutral expression, while Aestus couldn't take his eyes off his boots. Barthos took a deep breath, ready to unleash his anger, but then he paused and examined the contract again. His thick finger traced Mrs. Dessine's signature and the comments she had written, reading them carefully. He stroked his beard, shaking his head.

"I should punish you, but I can't deny that I'm very impressed," Barthos said in a deeper voice than usual.

Everyone in the Guild stopped what they were doing and ceased their conversations, paying attention to what was happening at the counter. Waru raised his head and adjusted his glasses, while the Warlock shook his head, furious, having already understood what had transpired.

"How did you manage to complete a Level 3 Hunt?!" Barthos exclaimed, more excited than angry. "I've been working in the Guild for years, and I've never met anyone capable of that. There's always some rookie who thinks they can do it and then gets their butt kicked."

The Warlock and the Spearwoman stood up, visibly annoyed, heading towards the exit, leaving the Warrior behind. Barthos burst into laughter. There was definitely a story behind this. Aestus breathed a sigh of relief, realizing he wouldn't be expelled. Orkan adjusted his hair, trying not to show it too much, but he was also calmer.

"I'll separate the payment for you, alright?" Barthos said, still shaking his head. He was visibly struggling not to praise the young men too much because they had done something wrong, yet incredible and unheard of. "You've at least reached Level 2 with this hunt."

Aestus and Orkan looked at each other happily, both wearing ear-to-ear smiles. Maybe they were truly born for this. Barthos kept muttering "Level one" as he calculated the reward, chuckling. Orkan was restless, seeing the large amount he would receive for the hunt, while Aestus was already analyzing the Level 2 contracts. The Knight couldn't concentrate, actually, thinking about how he had escaped punishment and even received praise.

After a few minutes, Barthos placed a heavy bag on the counter. The reward was truly impressive, more than triple what they had earned from the contracts the previous day. It made more and more sense why Orkan had been in such a hurry to take on this hunt. The Rogue grabbed the bag even before Barthos could let go of it, hugging it as if it were a defenseless baby. Aestus approached the counter to express his gratitude when his wrist was grabbed and pulled by Barthos. The young man leaned forcefully over the counter, not understanding what was happening. Barthos then spoke in a low voice, meant for Aestus alone to hear.

"I advise you not to stay in the city for a few days. The other Hunters were really looking forward to this contract, the payment was quite generous. They won't be happy to find out that two newcomers snatched this opportunity from them."

Aestus blinked rapidly, processing this information. Now he was in danger of being killed by the other Hunters. He hadn't anticipated this. He didn't want to fight anyone, let alone have to defend his own life because of other Hunters. But Barthos had a suggestion. He continued:

"There's a Level 2 contract from a resident of Silvi, the next town to the east. He says that a necrobear is lurking in the area near the town, and there aren't many Hunters around there. You two should take that contract and let things settle down. Come back after a few days."

Barthos released Aestus' wrist, which was a bit sore. The young man stepped away from the counter, massaging the tender spot, thanking Barthos. Orkan was still admiring the bag of crystals, paying no attention to anything else. Aestus really wanted to travel and see the world. Maybe this was the necessary stimulus. Well, not necessarily THIS stimulus, but it was a reason nonetheless. Barthos finished some notes and records, discreetly handing the folded contract to Aestus. Aestus bid farewell to Barthos and Waru, leaving the Guild and pushing Orkan to join him.

They decided to spend the rest of the day at Aestus' house. On the way there, the Knight told his friend what Barthos had said. Orkan became furious, wanting to confront any envious Hunter, but Aestus reminded him that they were still inexperienced and only two of them. Orkan reluctantly agreed. However, when he heard the next part of the plan, about going to Silvi and hunting a necrobear, Orkan became very excited. It was no secret to anyone that his dream was to leave Comanse. Silvi was a good start, being a nearby town and not too big. They arrived at Aestus' house, where he lived with his older brother, situated among other similar buildings in a pleasant, leafy residential neighborhood.

Aestus was the youngest, with an older sister who was already married and living in another house with her husband, and a middle brother who had no plans to get married or move out. Aestus was closer to his sister, even though they lived apart. His brother had distanced himself quite a bit after their parents' death, isolating himself in work. He probably thought Aestus should go after a real job instead of having this immature dream of being a Hunter. Just wait until he sees how much money they earned from a hunt! He would change his mind quickly.

The house was two stories tall, beautiful but in need of repairs. Aestus's father was a Carpenter and could fix the place in no time. This had spoiled the two siblings. Their mother didn't have a Class, but she was a very skilled and hardworking woman. When job openings at Baruc's mines became available, Aestus's mother and father went to work there together to spend more time with each other. However, a work accident would end their story sooner than it should have.

Aestus and Orkan had returned home early, so it was still empty. They took off their boots upon entering to avoid tracking dirt inside. They turned on the television for some background noise, not paying much attention to it, and began discussing their plans for the next hunt. They needed supplies, more potions, and a comfortable tent to sleep in. Silvi was a day and a half's walk away. Since they didn't have any vehicles, they would have to go on foot. From what they had heard, the path was peaceful, without many dangerous Creatures or difficult terrain to traverse. After some time of conversation, Orkan decided to go out and buy what was missing. He got up from the floor and headed towards the door. Just before opening it, Aestus' brother, Korrek, arrived home. The Rogue greeted him and left, without much conversation. Korrek went to the kitchen, where Aestus was preparing some snacks for the trip.

"Preparing dinner for your brother, Aestus?" Korrek asked, surveying the scene, already knowing the answer.

Korrek was a grown man, with an average build and shorter stature than his brother. His well-groomed hair and trimmed beard gave him a serious and formal look, matching his sober attire. He always smelled of woody cologne, as he believed it made him appear older and, therefore, more respected. Korrek worked in the financial sector of the town's mines, being a respected and highly productive employee. The two brothers were very different, but they had never fought or even argued about Aestus' career choices. However, the Knight always felt that his brother judged him for his decisions. Aestus explained what he was doing, recounting the plans to travel to Silvi and truly live off the hunts.

The brothers fell silent, only the sound of the television in the other room could be heard. Aestus didn't want to face his brother, afraid of his reaction. He focused on what he was doing, cutting ingredients to make sandwiches. Korrek walked around the kitchen, heading to the living room to turn off the television. A relatively long time passed, only serving to increase Aestus' apprehension. Suddenly, he felt his brother approach and embrace him from behind. Aestus froze, not understanding what was happening. He broke free from his brother's grip, turning to face him. Korrek had a strange expression, his eyes slightly teary. The older brother held Aestus by the arms, pressing his lips together. Then he said:

"Mom and Dad would be proud. You've always pursued your dreams. I'm glad you made it."

Instantly, Aestus smiled widely, embracing his brother tightly and thanking him for his words. They meant a lot to him, as Aestus was very unsure of how his family would react. He let go of his brother and recounted the hunts from the previous day and the adventure he had experienced that day. Korrek sat down and listened attentively as Aestus joyfully and proudly described all the details. They talked for a long time, something they hadn't done in a while, about Korrek's work, the profits the two Hunters had earned, and how the next few days would be. While they spoke, the brothers prepared provisions for the journey and also cooked dinner together. Mid-conversation, Korrek wore a more serious expression, leaning his back against the kitchen counter and looking at his brother.

"Just promise me three things, Aestus," Korrek raised three fingers. "First: that you won't get into trouble. Second: that you'll come back home alive at some point. And third: that you'll enjoy your life."

"I promise, you can count on it," Aestus said, running his hand over his older brother's head.

At that moment, Orkan arrived from the street, carrying some equipment and useful purchases for the trip. He sensed the friendly atmosphere between the brothers and joined them, showing everything he had bought and sharing his plans for the next stage of the adventure. The three of them then finished preparing dinner and ate, engaging in lively conversation about various topics. The night was pleasant, and the food was delicious. Korrek retired to bed, bidding the boys farewell and wishing them good luck on their hunt. Orkan didn't stay much longer, yawning heavily as he left. Aestus tidied up the table and the kitchen, leaving everything clean before settling down to sleep. After a brief but relaxing shower, Aestus lay down and fell asleep within seconds.

***

The following morning was sunny and warmer than the previous day. Aestus woke up early, listening to the birds singing nearby. He stretched and got up quickly, without lingering. His anxiety was under control, as they had made plans and preparations for the journey. After quietly descending the stairs to avoid waking his brother, Aestus prepared something simple to eat and soon left the house. He carried a backpack with food, water, a change of clothes, and the tent they would sleep in. The walk to the central square, the meeting point with Orkan, was quick, despite stopping to greet a few people along the way. A local fair was being set up in the square, selling vegetables and animal products. Aestus looked around, thinking that he would miss that environment if he ever left Comanse for good.

Orkan arrived shortly after, nudging Aestus' shoulder, waking him from his reverie. The two friends hugged and soon set off. They checked the route on a map, choosing the best spots to rest and spend the night. In a few minutes, they reached the eastern edge of the city, pausing momentarily and looking back. Aestus let out a deep sigh, while Orkan stood with his hands on his hips, struggling to accept what was happening. A strong wind blew, rustling Orkan's hair. A flock of birds took flight from a nearby tree, chirping loudly and melodically. It was as if the planet was encouraging them to begin the journey. They turned toward the road and started walking. Little did they know that they wouldn't set foot in that place for a long time. After all, every great adventure begins with a single step.

The walk continued without many obstacles. The duo encountered a few Creatures during the day, but the battles were becoming increasingly easier to win. Both young men felt stronger and more comfortable in their fighting skills. As they distanced themselves from Comanse, the landscape around them changed. The wide grasslands gave way to closer trees, eventually leading into a dense forest with tall, leafy trees. The temperature was milder, and they could hear nearby streams. The path forward was marked by signs and a simple yet well-maintained road made of large stones. The boys conversed during the journey, but often Aestus found himself humming a spontaneous song as if it were his own personal soundtrack. Orkan kept his eyes on the road and his ears attentive to any potential threats, but nothing too dangerous crossed their path.

As the end of the day approached, the boys began searching for a suitable spot to set up their tent for the night, aiming for safety and a bit more comfort. It didn't take long for them to find a spot near a narrow creek and not too far from the road. Aestus took out a rectangular device from his backpack and placed it on the ground. He then inserted some energized crystals into a side slot and stepped back. The object started vibrating and emitted a low hum. After a few seconds, it unfolded and expanded sideways and upwards, taking the form of a dark blue tent capable of accommodating around four people. Orkan quickly entered, marveling at all this technology, laughing like a child. Aestus remained outside, starting to prepare a campfire. With the sunlight nearly gone, a source of light and warmth was necessary.

Orkan and Aestus washed their hands in the nearby creek and then sat down near the campfire. They took out some food from their backpacks and began eating without exchanging words. The night was falling quickly, and the surroundings grew increasingly silent. Aestus chewed on his sandwich while looking at his friend, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking, Orkan?" he asked.

Orkan blinked his eyes quickly and subtly shook his head, looking at Aestus. He remained silent for a few seconds, deep in thought, before responding.

"What do we do after we are finished in Silvi? I don't want to go back to Comanse for now..." Orkan rested his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands and placing them under his chin.

"We can start wandering, going from city to city, trying to help people with our hunts," Aestus said, placing his sandwich on his lap and resting both hands behind him as he gazed at the sky. "The world needs good people."

Orkan theatrically rolled his eyes. He wanted to embark on a journey to earn money, become famous, and become the strongest and most agile Rogue there is. Helping people was a secondary matter to him. However, he had felt a sense of satisfaction when seeing the reaction of their clients after completing the hunts. Orkan wasn't accustomed to being treated well and appreciated.

"And what's the plan? Have you thought about it?" Orkan inquired of his friend.

"I don't know. We can gather information in Silvi. The people there are very intelligent, with a knack for commerce. I think you'll like it," Aestus replied.

Orkan's eyes lit up at the prospect of a city full of traders. The amount of crystals circulating there would be fascinating. Aestus took another bite of his sandwich, imagining what it would be like to explore every corner of Kairos, experience all the cultures, and encounter all the races, including the feared Reptoids and the isolated Magnors. Aestus continued to imagine the entirety of his adventure, while Orkan daydreamed about having all the money he could ever want. The two young men finished their meal, discussing the time they would wake up the next day and confirming the remaining route on the map. They had covered most of the journey and could reach the neighboring city early. Without lingering, they prepared for the night and entered the tent to sleep.

The next day, at the first sign of sunlight, the young Hunters woke up practically at the same time. Their excitement to continue the journey energized them. They had a quick breakfast and dismantled the tent, which returned to its original dimension, neatly packed back into Aestus' backpack. They double-checked that they hadn't forgotten anything and set off, finding the road again and continuing their journey. On this second day of travel, they encountered a larger number of Creatures, slightly fiercer and more challenging to defeat. The forest had also become denser, with less space for proper fighting. Nevertheless, the two men continued at an appropriate pace, sustaining minimal injuries and using only a few healing potions.

In the late morning, Aestus felt a gust of wind carrying a putrid smell of decomposing flesh. Orkan also smelled the stench and spat on the ground. They looked around, searching for the source but with no success. They pressed forward, slower now, keeping their eyes peeled. The smell grew worse, making Orkan nauseous and causing Aestus' eyes to water slightly. Suddenly, the two young men heard a loud, hoarse roar. They froze in place, trying to locate the source of the sound. Orkan nudged Aestus, pointing to the left. About 50 meters away, there was a carcass of dark green color. At first, Aestus thought it was a dead animal, but then he noticed that the carcass was moving. That's when he realized what it was: the necrobear. He had heard accounts of it from other Hunters, but he hadn't imagined it would be such a horrific sight accompanied by such a strong stench.

The Creature was enormous, over 2 meters in length. Its fur was gray, with large patches of missing hair and open wounds, revealing a good portion of its bones and some internal organs. The necrobear walked slowly, limping and with spasmodic movements in its head. Its mouth drooled profusely, with grayish saliva dripping from teeth that were too big for its head. Judging by the slow and erratic movements of the Creature, Aestus believed it would be an easy fight, as there wouldn't likely be much reaction from the opponent. He even felt some pity for the Creature, which seemed to be suffering just from waddling through the forest. They hadn't confirmed the contract with their contact in town, but if that Creature was the target, they would already be in luck. If not, it would serve as good training for the hunt.

Orkan and Aestus exchanged glances, nodding their heads in agreement. They didn't want to talk and risk attracting the Creature's attention. They left their backpacks on the road and materialized their weapons. Confident after winning several consecutive battles with little effort, the two Hunters lunged at the necrobear without much planning, aiming to surprise and quickly defeat it. However, the necrobear proved to be a formidable opponent, not to be underestimated. This would be an important lesson that the two Hunters would learn the hard way.

Orkan reached the Creature first, landing a strike on its right side. The necrobear, however, didn't seem to feel any pain. It turned much faster than anticipated, delivering a powerful swipe to the Rogue's torso. Orkan was thrown far away, hitting his head against a tree trunk and falling to the ground. Aestus could see that his friend was unconscious and bleeding profusely. He couldn't even tell if Orkan was alive or not. The Knight focused, trying to push the image of his injured friend out of his mind and concentrating on the necrobear. The Creature made eye contact with Aestus, turning towards him.

Before Aestus could take any action, the necrobear charged toward him, reaching him in seconds and striking him with a powerful headbutt. The young man fell to the ground, losing all his breath and dropping his sword, which landed far away. Aestus struggled to get up, trying to catch his breath, but the necrobear reached him, placing its front paws on his shoulders. Before he could materialize his sword, the Creature sank its teeth into his neck with great force. Aestus could only think that his adventure had barely begun, and this would be his end. Darkness engulfed his mind, like a blown-out candle.