The day was cloudy, with white clouds intermittently blocking the sunlight. Hiner observed the sky, assessing the likelihood of rain. From the looks of it, it wouldn't be a rainy day. The Wizard felt happy and content, perhaps even proud. His plans were working well, just as expected. Aestus and Orkan were continuing their journey, accompanied by the annoying Mage. They still had no suspicions, completely unaware that they were part of a grand scheme.

The wind suddenly picked up, swaying Hiner's robes. He was tired of wearing disguises and strange clothing. Having to hide, travel alone, and move in the shadows. He had grown accustomed to living inconspicuously, but recent events had disrupted his routine, causing restlessness. Nothing could have prepared him for what was to come, not even his keen mind and fertile imagination. All the privileged information he had gathered consisted of a few names, places, dates... It took a lot of creativity to connect the dots and devise a plan, a schedule for his plans to succeed.

The attack on Silvi, as irresponsible, absurd, and reckless as it was, worked perfectly, both for Baruc and for Hiner, unexpectedly. The house always wins, so Baruc's victory was inevitable and much more apparent. He now controlled all the mines in the region, won the admiration of the Lagomorphs, and instilled fear in any opponent. However, Hiner's gains were much more promising, even if subtle and imperceptible. He needed to know how to play the cards he had been dealt. He ran his hand over his face, feeling some insecurity, something he hadn't felt in years. So many variables were beyond his control, requiring careful anticipation and improvisation.

His greatest challenge would be dealing with his infamy at the right moment. He couldn't, or wouldn't even be able to, remain incognito and hidden forever. Especially now, as his intervention would become increasingly direct and risky. Feeling a panic attack starting, Hiner took a deep breath, holding it momentarily and then exhaling slowly. He repeated this exercise several times, regaining control. His self-assurance was shaken, afraid of what destiny held.

After regaining his composure, Hiner thought more clearly about the days to come. His next appearance would be in Foscor, executing an attack, depending on several factors. How many Minatis could die? Not many, he hoped. Perhaps none, if all went well. He shivered at the memory of what happened in Silvi, which looked more like a display of chaotic powers and destruction. This new attack would be targeted, precise. In fact, he only needed to worry about a single target. He repeated her name in his mind, over and over, concluding with the thought:

"Ah, I hope it will be a memorable encounter, young and naive Hadria."

***

"Is it still far away?" Orkan asked for the third time, being ignored by the other two.

The three friends walked, each at their own pace, almost reaching the western edge of the forest that surrounded Silvi. The temperature was mild, with strong and almost constant winds. Despite the clouds, the day was clear and beautiful. Aestus carried a large brown backpack containing some of Spes' belongings, along with his own. The Mage also had a backpack, but it was smaller and dark green. Orkan was ahead, always having to stop and wait for the other two, who were slower. The hike through the forest was slow, with many uphill sections, causing the journey to start with little progress. The group encountered several Creatures along the way, which were easily defeated, except for a large venomous lizard. They preferred to leave that Creature alone, deviating from its path.

As they passed through a large cluster of trees, they could see a vast field ahead. The sight was fascinating. An extensive lawn stretched as far as the eye could see, with few elevations in the terrain. Several small villages with simple houses and modest plantations could be seen. The road leading to Foscor meandered gently until it disappeared from view, contrasting with the light green grass. Spes stopped where he was, admiring the view and taking in all the beauty of the place. He stood still for a few seconds, his mind racing. Then, he looked back and stared at the forest they had left behind. His long-awaited and promised journey had finally begun. The wind tousled his red hair, making his large ears visible almost all the time.

The feeling was a mixture of freedom and fulfillment. The fear of failure was constant, irritating like a low buzzing that wouldn't leave Spes' mind. However, at this moment, he felt he was on the right path. His destiny wasn't to be trapped in a clinic in Silvi. The world awaited him. And Kairos was vast, full of surprises and challenges that no one could anticipate. A smile appeared on Spes' lips, happy to be moving forward in the company of two people he could already call friends. The last few days before starting the journey had been very rewarding. Aestus had grown very close to Spes, and even Orkan had become more friendly, making jokes and teasing the Mage. The dynamics between them had become natural and fluid, without that awkwardness that lingers between mere acquaintances.

"Seriously now. Are we there yet?" Orkan asked again, interrupting Spes' daydreams.

"Yes, to tell you the truth," Spes replied cheerfully, amused by the astonished look on Orkan's face.

"Wow, I thought it would be farther," Orkan said, with an embarrassed smile, scratching his neck. "I was just messing with you."

"Do you see that ranch, with that little cute fence over there?" Spes asked, pointing to a small farm not too far away, near a shining pond. "That's where we're going to get our means of transportation."

"I can't believe I'm going to ride my first lebreton!" Aestus exclaimed, doing a restrained and subtle dance, swinging his arms close to his body.

The lebretons were an extremely rare exception among the Creatures, being completely peaceful and having a strong affinity with all races on the planet. They resembled very large rabbits, usually much bigger than an adult humanoid, but could also be found in smaller sizes. Their extremely soft fur allowed them to be ridden without a saddle, providing a comfortable mount. As Creatures, they didn't have common biological needs like regular animals; they possessed high strength and vigor, capable of traveling for hours without getting tired. Creatures didn't require food, although many of them ate plants, animals, and even people, and the reasons behind this behavior were still unknown. Since the early days of civilizations, people used lebretons as a means of faster transportation.

After the technological revolution caused by Baruc, the use of motorized vehicles powered by crystals had increased rapidly. However, it wasn't a very popular option, as the prices were still high, limiting them to the elite. Another option was trains, but those were mainly limited to cities closely connected to the capital. As a result, the use of lebretons remained quite common for short journeys. A significant advantage of using this means of transportation was that Creatures didn't attack other Creatures. Hence, it was possible to undertake long journeys without worrying about difficult battles or unexpected dangers, as the Creatures encountered along the way would leave the lebretons and their riders in peace.

The three young men were heading towards a local lebreton farm, responsible for helping travelers find a lebreton and taking care of those who already had companions. These Creatures, after forming a strong bond with their companions, could be summoned at any time, anywhere. However, the response to the call depended on the Creature's will, varying according to the degree of affinity with its companion and the circumstances of fate. Lebretons didn't handle danger and chaos very well, preferring to stay away from battles, so they weren't commonly used to escape an ambush or in the middle of a fight, for example.

The walk was quick and pleasant, with few interruptions for battles due to the relatively small number of Creatures in the area. As a result, the group arrived at their destination soon enough, reaching a beautiful stone-paved road that led to the lebreton farm. The entrance was adorned with a rustic and massive pergola covered in a lush vine with many purple flowers. Further ahead, there was a large two-story building where the owners of the farm lived and took care of business. It was painted in a light beige color, contrasting with the dark brown beams and roofs. The windows were large, all with colorful flower boxes. To the left of the entrance, a bit further ahead, there was a small office where customer records were kept. Continuing straight, there was a small fountain to the right, always filled with birds bathing in the crystal-clear water, and further ahead, the front door of the house. On the opposite side of the office, there was a large brown stable, connected to a fenced pasture.

One of the owners was kneeling, fixing a part of the fence that had collapsed, steadying a piece of wood with her left hand and hammering a nail with her right. She was a very strong Humanoid woman with short brown hair and rosy cheeks. She wore blue overalls and a red and black checkered shirt, appearing both durable and comfortable. Spes directed the group towards her, who hadn't noticed their presence yet. The day was very favorable for outdoor work, with the sun not too strong and the temperature quite pleasant. As they entered her field of view, she promptly stood up, removed two nails from her mouth, and greeted them:

"Hey, Spes! Came to see your lebreton?" She said with a powerful and loud voice, extending her hand to the Mage. Her face was quite red with drops of sweat on her forehead, but her expression was cheerful and welcoming.

"Hi, Brini! Yes, but I also need two new lebretons for my friends. This is Aestus and Orkan," he added, making the proper introductions. "We have a looong journey ahead of us."

Brini greeted the two young men with a handshake that was a bit firmer than necessary, while wiping the sweat from her face with her other hand. She was a straightforward and sincere person, sometimes seeming a bit rough. Some people didn't get along with her manner, but Spes knew that Aestus would like her.

"Pleasure to meet you both," she said with a smile, looking the two guys up and down. "You are quite strong," she added, looking at Aestus with approval. "A Guardian?"

"No, a Knight. And he's a Rogue," Aestus replied, pointing to Orkan next.

She looked at Orkan, seemingly judging him, hesitant. He felt a little uncomfortable, but he was used to this reaction. Then, out of nowhere, she said:

"It would be better if you were a Shadow Warrior with this team setup you've got, but it's a tough Class to find, right? So I guess, as it is, it works. Are you managing well without a Wizard?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips.

"We're going to Foscor to see if we can find one there," Aestus replied, a bit embarrassed by Brini's reaction. "There must be some brave and adventurous Hunter among the Wizards."

Brini burst into a hearty laugh, looking around, expecting the others to join in. When she realized only she was laughing and that it wasn't a joke, she stopped and asked:

"Wait, are you guys serious?"

"Yes," Orkan replied, a bit impatient. "Isn't it full of Wizards there?"

"It's full of Minatis," Brini replied, emphasizing the word "Minatis," "which, as a result, are mostly Wizards. But they're not big on hunts and battles. They only think about money, work, trade... those kinds of things. Good luck finding one who wants to join you."

Aestus shrugged with disappointment, while Orkan looked at Spes, raising his eyebrows. The Lagomorph wasn't fazed and continued the conversation as if nothing had happened.

"Oh, we'll figure that out when we get there," he said with a carefree smile. "So, do you have any lebretons available?"

"You'll have to talk to Hilda," Brini said, putting one hand on her hip while tossing the hammer into the air with the other. "She's the one in charge of that part of the business, I mostly handle maintenance and care for the furry boys. She should be in the office now," she pointed in the direction of the door near the fountain, "go check it out."

The boys thanked her and promptly headed to where they were directed. Aestus knocked on the door and entered the office. It was a spacious room with white walls and wooden panels on the lower half. All the furniture was rustic, appearing to have been carefully and lovingly handmade. In the right corner near the door, there were two large brown leather sofas separated by a small coffee table with a vase of red flowers. In the opposite corner, facing the door, stood a long L-shaped table where a blonde Lagomorph with distinct short, layered hair was sitting. She was plump, with prominent cheeks and beautiful honey-colored eyes. She wore a loose white shirt and black trousers, with simple black shoes.

The Lagomorph stood up upon seeing the group enter, her warm smile growing even wider when she saw Spes. He rushed over to her, hugging her and swaying from side to side. They greeted each other and talked briefly, while the other two remained standing at the entrance, surveying the room. Spes quickly noticed his lack of manners and said:

"Oh, Hilda, let me introduce you to my friends. This is Orkan, and this is Aestus," he said, pointing to each one respectively. Then he turned to the two boys and continued, "And this is Hilda, the owner of the lebreton ranch, the best in Kairos."

"That's very kind of you, Spes!" she replied, blushing slightly, her voice calm, and a discreet smile on her face. "And I'm not the only owner, am I? I believe you met the other owner outside, right? My wife, Brini."

Upon hearing this, Aestus couldn't hide his expression of surprise and disapproval. "Brini and Hilda are married?" he thought. "But that's absurd. A Humanoid and a Lagomorph, that's not right." Aestus remained silent while Orkan greeted her and then nudged the Knight with his elbow. He composed himself and just nodded.

Interspecies relationships were frowned upon in Kairos, not accepted by many. It was an extremely taboo subject that wasn't widely discussed. The laws allowed for marriage between different species, but many still disagreed, discriminating against and even attacking people in such relationships. Aestus, with his predetermined view of the world, still had difficulty accepting these diversities. Orkan, having experienced prejudice himself, could empathize with these individuals, not seeing much of a problem with it.

"Pleased to meet you both," Hilda said, still smiling but more reserved now. She had noticed Aestus's reaction. "Welcome! And the attack on Silvi, huh? Were you guys there?"

Spes and Orkan then briefly recounted what had happened, describing the dangers they had faced, informing about the losses and casualties, but also assuring that Silvi was in excellent condition. However, Aestus remained silent, unsure of how to act.

"And what brings you all here?" Hilda finally asked, crossing her hands in front of her body and looking at Spes.

The Mage explained again about the journey they were making to Foscor and the need for a means of transportation. She listened attentively, nodding her head but with her lips pressed tightly.

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to help you at the moment," Hilda said, tilting her head slightly. "We don't have any lebretons available. What I can do is point you to a nearby capture point. Let's see." She sat down and put on a pair of black-framed glasses, operating a modern computer.

Hilda was extremely agile, typing commands and analyzing information on the screen. In a few seconds, she turned the monitor towards the guys, showing a map of the region with some yellow circles delineating nearby areas. The three Hunters approached the table, looking at the image.

"According to information from other Hunters and travelers, lebretons have been spotted in these nearby regions," she said, with a professional and direct tone of voice. "So, you need to find two of them and capture them. We sell some snacks here that they love. Spes knows how it works, so I think he can help you with that."

Spes looked excitedly at his two friends, who were impressed by all the technology available for capturing lebretons, a means of transportation considered archaic. Orkan took out a map from his pocket, marking the regions where they needed to go, and then put it away. Hilda handed some small packets of snacks to Aestus, accidentally brushing her fingers against his in the process. Unaware, the Knight wiped his hand on his pants after putting the snacks in his pockets. Orkan and Aestus said their goodbyes and left the office, while Spes stayed a bit longer talking with Hilda, telling them that they would join them soon.

Outside, Aestus couldn't help himself and started to say:

"Orkan, they..."

"They're a couple," Orkan interrupted, impatiently. "Yeah, so what? How does that change anything in your life? You, the bastion of justice and the savior of the oppressed. Seriously, man, grow up." And Orkan walked away, irritated with his friend.

Aestus remained still, digesting what his friend had said. He never thought he would receive a moral lesson from Orkan, but this journey was showing him that anything was possible. Aestus would have to deal with different cultures, realities, and challenges. The world was not solely made up of Comanse, from his point of view. And perhaps this was the greatest lesson that Aestus could take from his adventure.

He walked around the farm for a bit, enjoying the beauty of the property, trying not to dwell on what had happened, feeling ashamed. Aestus saw Orkan studying the map and looking around, his effort evident on his face, apparently not knowing where to go. The Knight decided to go in a different direction, not wanting to talk to his friend just yet. He then headed to the barn on the other side of the farm. As he approached, he could see it was a large building, even bigger than the house he had been in before. The double door was open, allowing entry inside.

Inside the barn, the temperature was slightly cooler than outside, making it more pleasant. It had several spacious stalls, divided by high walls, each with a fence and a gate. Aestus walked to the first stall on his left, looking inside with curiosity. The enclosed area was covered with sawdust and straw, creating a soft bedding. Hanging on the fence was a feeding trough divided into two parts, filled with corn and water. In the middle, lying curled up, there was an extremely furry Creature with a shiny and silky brown coat. As Aestus approached the fence, the Creature stood up and stretched.

It was an impressive and unforgettable sight. It looked similar to the Creatures they had faced many times before, but without that vacant look present in all the others. The lebreton was large, taller than Aestus, with a head almost identical to a rabbit's but with larger ears. Its body was broad and very strong, with robust legs arranged in a way that allowed the Creature to stand upright on its hind legs and on all fours. The lebreton looked at Aestus curiously, tilting its head from side to side before coming closer.

Aestus didn't hesitate and immediately started to pet the Creature, feeling the pleasant texture of its silky fur. The lebreton made a cute noise, with its eyes closed, enjoying the affection. It was an extremely gentle and affectionate Creature, but it also appeared to be very strong. Its incisor teeth were very large, seemingly capable of easily tearing off an arm. However, Aestus had never heard of any cases of lebretons attacking anyone.

"They are such sweethearts, aren't they?" Aestus was surprised by a voice behind him, turning around to see Brini at the barn's entrance. She approached him. "I couldn't work with anything else. Taking care of these little ones is so rewarding."

The lebreton lightly nuzzled Aestus' hand, who had stopped petting him. He chuckled, resuming caressing the Creature's chin.

"They seem to be very gentle indeed," Aestus said, not taking his eyes off the Creature.

"I prefer lebretons to people," Brini said, laughing. "They are very attached to their tutors, you know? I don't know if you know how to become a tutor." Aestus shook his head, prompting Brini to continue. "You need to connect with the little one, win their admiration. The good thing is that they are very needy, so they connect with the tutor pretty quickly. You just have to find one in the wild, give them some snacks, give them some affection, and then put this on their neck." She pointed to a leather cord containing a small device attached to it.

Aestus examined the equipment, seeing it shimmering from time to time, probably activated by some crystal. He heard noises from the other stalls and looked around, seeing several other curious lebretons, wanting to know who had entered the barn. There were lebretons of various sizes with assorted fur colors. There were common colors like brown and white, but also different colors for regular animals, such as blue and green. While Aestus was still amazed by the beauty of the Creatures, Spes and Orkan arrived at the barn.

Orkan quickly went to one of the lebretons, petting its large ears. Spes went to a specific stall almost in the middle of the barn, entering and hugging his lebreton. The Creature made funny sounds, visibly happy to see its tutor. Aestus and Orkan soon followed to see their friend's lebreton.

"I want you guys to meet Cloud," Spes said, standing beside a white lebreton with green eyes, stroking its belly. "Isn't he the cutest thing?"

"Cloud?" Orkan asked, with an ironic tone. "I think they need a stronger name. Like Lightning or Squall."

"You can choose the name for yours when you find one. No need to be jealous," Spes said, sticking out his tongue. "Speaking of which, shall we go look for them?"

The other two agreed, and soon they said their goodbyes to Brini, who stayed in the barn taking care of the lebretons. The points on the map were not very far from each other, but it would take a lot of time to complete a full sweep. They would need some luck to find the Creatures. After storing the materials they wouldn't need, the three Hunters set off, heading to the nearest point north of the farm.

The journey was quite short, encountering few Creatures along the way. However, there was no sign of lebretons in the region. They headed towards another point on the map. The day remained overcast as the hours passed. The three friends chatted a lot as they walked, strengthening the bond of friendship that had formed. They quickly reached the next destination. This time, they only found traces of lebretons, indicating that there might be some nearby.

They decided to stop and have a snack under the shade of a tree while resting a bit. They talked about different topics, and Hiner's name came up. Orkan was particularly annoyed.

"The guy is a jerk," Orkan said, chewing his food. "He just stays far away, throwing fireballs at others. I'd like to see him in a mano a mano fight. He wouldn't last two minutes against me."

"He'd cast so many spells on you that you wouldn't even be able to reach him," Spes said, finding it amusing.

"Yeah, I wish I could use some abilities from another Class," Orkan said, thoughtfully. "Like casting some spells or summoning an entity, I don't know. I would take him down."

"No one can have more than one Class, Orkan," Aestus said, without taking his eyes off his sandwich. "You have to plan your attack using your own arsenal."

"What am I supposed to do, then? Rob him of his will to live?" Orkan said, indignant but laughing.

The three friends laughed at the situation, but then Spes said with a slightly more serious tone, "There's that old legend, right? About the Warriors of Destiny."

"My grandmother used to tell that story at bedtime," Aestus said, struggling to remember. "It's about the Warriors who join together to fight and protect Kairos from great destruction, right?"

"Yes, that's the one!" Spes said excitedly. "The legend has several versions, but one of them says that the six Warriors are chosen by destiny, meeting by chance and forming an unbeatable team. These Warriors can use their abilities and magic with great skill, doing what no ordinary person could."

Aestus listened attentively, while Orkan didn't pay much attention, preferring to eat. Spes, however, had already stood up, gesticulating fervently.

"The Warriors come from different backgrounds and races, representing the various peoples of Kairos, responsible for uniting everyone in harmony and peace. And, most amazing of all, one of the Warriors would be none other than..." Spes made a theatrical pause, then said, "the mighty Oracle!"

Orkan rolled his eyes, and Aestus let out a tired sigh. Spes saw their reaction and became restless.

"I'm serious, I'm sure the Oracle exists!" Spes said, trying to convince his two friends.

"Again with the Oracle talk, Spes?" Aestus tried not to sound too irritated. "We've had this conversation a few times before..."

"But it's tru..." Spes was interrupted by a very loud screech, frightening the three Hunters. They looked at each other, unsure of the source of the sound. Then, they heard some thumping on the ground, followed by another sharp screech. The three of them dropped their snacks and ran toward the direction of the sounds, behind the tree where they were sitting.

Not far from where they were, they found the source of the noises. An enormous Creature was wandering in the area, a giant bulb. It was a bulbous plant that moved using long and thick tendrils that resembled tentacles, grabbing whatever came its way. Its body consisted of a large green and purple bulb, the size of a small house, with a wide mouth-like opening that opened and closed, chewing on nothing. The Creature had no eyes, feeling around with its tendrils. The top of the bulb had thin, rigid leaves that pointed upwards. The air around it was filled with extremely poisonous spores, emitting a moldy and decomposing plant odor.

However, the screeching was caused by two lebretons trapped in the tendrils of the giant bulb. The Creature must have accidentally captured the lebretons while wandering around, injuring them. The Hunters needed to save the little Creatures as quickly as possible, as they were clearly suffering in that situation. The three materialized their weapons and prepared to attack. They stood side by side, facing the enormous Creature, trying to decide how to initiate the battle.

Aestus decided to take the initiative, stepping into the spore cloud and slicing one of the tendrils, which was immediately separated from the bulb. The Creature let out a guttural roar, releasing even more spores. Aestus coughed and stepped back, feeling dizzy and nauseous. Spes approached the Knight, helping him to lean on his shoulder.

"You've been poisoned; you need to be careful," Spes said, concerned. "I can fix that quickly, but you can't get close to the bulb like that."

"I need to get close; there's no other way," Aestus said after being cleansed by Spes.

"It's going to have to be a quick battle," Orkan remarked. "Let's save those lebretons quickly before that bulb crushes them."

The Mage cast healing and protective spells toward the lebretons, so they could survive a little longer in that situation. Orkan and Aestus stared at the Creature, tightly gripping their weapons. They decided that the Knight would cut the tendrils while the Rogue focused his attacks on the Creature's body. After Spes did what little he could to protect them, using the only magic he knew, the two boys charged at the Creature simultaneously, one on each side. The Mage was left behind, launching orbs of light toward the Creature, attempting to draw its attention. He knew he couldn't help much, but he would provide the best support he could.

As Aestus approached the Creature, he felt its sweet and putrid scent burning his nostrils. While trying to get used to it, he managed to cut one of the tendrils, causing the others to thrash wildly and the Creature to lunge in his direction. He dodged its attacks, trying to count how many tendrils were left. There were many of them, varying in size and diameter, creating an optical illusion with their erratic movements. Aestus tried to focus on the tendrils holding the lebretons, but the spore cloud and its poison were already affecting him, blurring his vision and causing abdominal pain.

The Knight launched several random attacks, hitting whatever he could reach, causing the sound of metal hitting the sturdy and resilient tendrils to echo. Fortunately, one of the severed tendrils was the one holding one of the lebretons. The large green tentacle fell to the ground with a muffled thud, releasing the Creature. It was a dark gray lebreton, very strong and robust, but with a look of great fear in its blue eyes. It lay on the grass, visibly injured and weakened. Spes ran to its side to assess its condition, with one arm folded over his nose, hoping his cloak would protect him from the spores.

Meanwhile, Orkan had managed to get around the large Creature, focusing his attacks on its back. He performed a deadly dance, dodging the tendrils and landing dagger blows at different points on the bulb. Although Orkan was successfully injuring the Creature, his attacks didn't seem to have much effect. He felt fatigue starting to take over his body, as his stamina was impaired due to the venom already flowing in his veins. The air he breathed felt heavy, filled with an incapacitating stench that he could even taste in his mouth.

Distracted by saving the lebreton, Aestus was caught off guard while watching Spes kneeling beside the Creature. A large tendril wrapped around one of his legs and his waist, lifting him several meters off the ground, causing him to drop his sword onto the grass. He felt his ribcage being tightly compressed, expelling the air from his lungs. If it weren't for Spes' protection, his ribs would have been broken already. However, if he remained in that position, given the pain the Creature was causing, Aestus felt that some fractures were imminent.

The lebreton had been healed by Spes' simple magic and had run away from the bulb. The Mage, however, hadn't even noticed it, focusing his attention on his friend who was upside down and swaying in the air. Spes raised his staff, renewing the protective magic surrounding Aestus, attempting to buy time and prevent further injuries. Judging by the pain on the Knight's face, his efforts weren't proving very effective. The Lagomorph looked around, coughing due to the large number of spores in the vicinity, trying to figure out how he could help. He spotted Aestus' sword lying nearby and rushed toward it, stumbling over his cloak, weakened. Upon reaching the sword, Spes knelt down and tried to wield it, but without success. The weapon was too heavy for the Mage, who was already weakened by the venom.

Desperation gripped Spes, who couldn't think of any alternatives. The roars of the large Creature were constant, combined with the screeches of the lebreton still trapped, and the grunts of Aestus. A macabre symphony, complemented by the sound of the tendrils drumming on the ground around them. Out of the corner of his eye, Spes saw Orkan striking blows and dodging the bulb's attacks, seemingly still able to fight. The Mage stood up and shouted the Rogue's name, causing Orkan to turn his attention to the Lagomorph just in time to see him being wrapped in a tendril and then lifted up next to Aestus.

Fearing for the lives of his friends, Orkan decided to attack the tendrils to free them. He had the same idea as Spes, going after Aestus' sword when he spotted it lying on the grass. As he bent down, Orkan was forcefully hit on his side by a tendril, being thrown away. He rolled through the grass, coming to a stop on his back, dazed and coughing. What should have been a simple search for lebretons had turned into an unimaginable disaster, one that none of the Hunters had foreseen.

Orkan rose to his feet, unsteady and panting loudly, hunching over and clutching his ribs as if to ease the pain. His torso hurt both externally and internally. He caught sight of the Creature thrashing about fiercely, even more than before, constricting his friends and the remaining lebreton. The scene filled him with deep revulsion, fueling him with anger and determination. Suddenly, as if a switch had been flipped, the Rogue adjusted his stance, assuming an attacking position. A fury swept through his body, causing him to glow with small green vortices and gusts of wind that emanated from his hands and enveloped him. Orkan couldn't explain what was happening, but he knew he was ready to defeat that aberration.

"No more games... I'll end you," Orkan said through gritted teeth, shouting, "SLASHING TURBULENCE!"

The daggers materialized in Orkan's hands, their sharp blades gleaming under the dim light of the cloudy day. He swiftly and subtly changed his grip, holding them by the tips of the blades. The Rogue then hurled the daggers towards the Creature, materializing them back in his hands as they hit the target, unleashing a barrage of successive attacks. Time seemed to slow down around him. In his eyes, everything moved in slow motion, allowing him to focus on his target and evade any counterattacks. Orkan threw his daggers with force and precision, at an absurd speed, hitting the Creature at different points. At the same time, he performed an intricate choreography, leaping, spinning, and evading danger.

After countless attacks, taking only a few seconds, the Creature toppled backward, lowering its tendrils and releasing his friends and the lebreton. Orkan stood still, recovering from the trance he had entered. He had never felt anything like it, but it had been extremely exhilarating. Movements in his peripheral vision brought him back to reality. Spes was rising to his feet, while Aestus remained lying on the grass a few meters away from the lebreton. Orkan rushed to his friend's side and knelt beside him to assess the situation. The Knight had his eyes closed, with a pained expression, clutching his ribs and swaying from side to side.

"Spes!" Orkan called out. "Do something, please!"

The Lagomorph healed himself with a quick and subtle movement of his hand, then hurried toward Aestus. Spes materialized his staff and held it in his right hand, pointing it towards the fallen man and placing his index and middle finger of his left hand on his temple.

"I need to assess him first," Spes explained, looking at Aestus with a focused expression, as if peering into his internal body. "Hmm... No serious fractures, moderate poisoning, and a bit of internal bleeding. No worries, a level two healing spell and a basic purification will do."

"Hurry up!" Orkan said, with a concerned expression, in a more impatient tone than he intended.

"Relax, eager beaver. It's not like I haven't literally brought him back to life a few days ago," Spes retorted, already putting his skills into action.

With a gentle movement, Spes made his staff float by his side, rigid in a completely perpendicular position to the ground. Then, with continuous circular motions of his arms, eyes closed and taking deep breaths, he became enveloped in a white light, eventually pointing his right hand towards Aestus with his arm extended, while keeping his left arm bent and close to his torso. A green and white light surrounded the Knight, traversing his entire body and then focusing on his torso, gradually dissipating.

Aestus took a deep, noisy breath, feeling as if he had emerged from an exhausting dive, finally finding the invigorating air. He quickly got up, patting his body as if to check if everything was in place. Before Aestus could express his gratitude, Spes was already occupied again, having treated Orkan's few wounds and poisoning, now focusing his attention on the lebreton lying on the ground. The Creature was practically healed instantly with a simple spell from the Mage. Aestus and Orkan looked on attentively as the lebreton got up from behind Spes, wearing a curious expression.

The lebreton had predominantly black fur with orange patches on its chest and ears. Its bright yellow eyes gave it a smart and playful appearance. The Creature stood up, looking at the three friends, quickly shifting its gaze between them. It approached slowly, a bit wary, with its ears flattened, sniffing the air with its nose opening and closing. After a few seconds, the lebreton focused solely on Aestus, heading towards him and sniffing him from head to toe. The Knight stood still, unsure how to react, with wide eyes, feeling apprehensive. Meanwhile, Spes clapped his hands with joy, dancing in place. As if having identified something, the lebreton stood up on its hind legs and looked directly into Aestus' eyes. Then, it brought its head to the Knight's chest, rubbing against him and emitting sounds of happiness.

"He adopted you, Aestus!" Spes said, overjoyed.

Aestus didn't fully understand what had just happened, but he started to pet the Creature, initially hesitant but quickly yielding to the lebreton's advances. Its fur was glossy and incredibly soft to the touch. Aestus felt like he could stay there all afternoon, simply relishing that silky coat. Spes went toward the backpacks they had left nearby, searching for the treats they had brought.

Orkan looked on with a tinge of envy, also wanting his own lebreton. He looked around, searching for the other one they had freed earlier. In the opposite direction of where Spes had gone, Orkan spotted the gray lebreton observing them from behind a large stone covered with small plants and moss. The Rogue walked toward it, his right arm extended, clicking his tongue to call the Creature. As if eagerly awaiting an invitation, the lebreton bounded swiftly toward Orkan. It approached the Rogue, sniffing him curiously and enthusiastically, quickly bonding with its new caretaker. Orkan hugged the cute Creature around the neck, feeling happier than he had ever felt.

In the meantime, Spes had returned, distributing the packages of treats to his two friends. Upon opening one of the packs, Aestus was greeted with a delicious yet subtle aroma of seasoned vegetables. The treats were small assorted cookies, varying in colors of orange, green, and purple. As soon as the lebretões caught the characteristic scent of their favorite food, they became eager, practically snatching the packs from the hands of the boys. Aestus began tossing the treats one by one to his lebreton, while Orkan simply tore open the bag, spreading its contents all around for the other Creature to enjoy.

"Let's turn this into a party," Spes said, taking a small round device from his attire and pressing a green button.

Immediately, by his side, a vortex of white fur appeared, growing in the blink of an eye and transforming into Cloud, his lebreton. The Creature looked around, observing the two new lebretons but quickly shifting its interest to the snacks scattered on the grass, knocked over by Orkan. Spes also opened a package and started tossing the little biscuits into the air, which were intercepted in mid-air by the Lebretons before they could even hit the ground. It was a much-needed moment of relaxation after a tense battle. Taking advantage of the atmosphere, Spes asked:

"Have you decided what names to give them?"

"Mine looks like Seaquake," said Aestus, caressing the lebreton's long ears.

"Ah, since we're keeping with the 'nature' theme, I'll call mine Cyclone" Orkan replied, proud of his cleverness.

"Hmm... Bold and brash" Spes said, with a hint of teasing. "Shall we head back to the farm then? I'll teach you how to ride the lebretons."

Spes demonstrated how to signal the Creature to crouch down on all fours. Then, it was necessary to support oneself on the hind leg and climb onto its back, sitting with legs apart. As the lebretons didn't have saddles, they had to hold onto the Creature's fur. A crucial rule was not to pull on or lean on the ears. They were very sensitive! After a few attempts and rehearsals, Aestus and Orkan were already managing to stay balanced and comfortable on the lebretons, confident for the short journey back to the farm. Without proper equipment, they couldn't run at high speeds to avoid accidents.

The cool wind brushed against Orkan's face, causing his hair to sway freely. The feeling of pure freedom was exhilarating. The vast lawn, with beautiful, tall trees spaced nicely apart, was perfect for this ride. The Rogue finally felt at home, doing what he was born to do, quite different from how he felt in Comanse. He looked back, seeing his two friends not far behind. Spes was very at ease, also enjoying the scenery and the wind. Aestus seemed more focused, trying to ride correctly, making every effort to do everything perfectly.

In a few minutes, the group reached the farm, finding Brini and Hilda chatting near the beautiful pergola. The three dismounted from their respective lebretons with a proud expression on their faces. The two farm owners were clearly pleased, with Brini nodding in approval and Hilda already running to play with the new Creatures. Regaining her composure, Hilda said:

"It's great that you managed to find these beauties. And they've already adopted you! That makes our job much easier."

They then explained that the lebreton needs to bond with its owner before allowing itself to be ridden and responding to commands. This usually takes a few hours, but it can take days in some cases. It all depended on the affinity between the two. Since they were rescued from an extremely dangerous situation, that had a significant influence.

"Alright, now it's my turn" Brini said, pragmatically. "I'll take these darlings to the stable and prepare their saddles and calls. You can sort out the rest with Hilda in the office."

The Humanoid guided the lebretons with some snacks she kept in her jumpsuit, and they followed her happily. The Lagomorph led the boys into a cozy little room and sat behind her desk. She swiftly made some calculations, checking tables and making notes that only made sense to herself. She neatly transcribed the information onto a separate piece of paper and showed it to the clients.

"Here are the prices for the services" she said, with a professional and straightforward tone, but a smile on her face. "You'll have reserved stalls for the lebretons, saddles and riding equipment, and a customized and calibrated caller."

Orkan saw the price and thought it was too expensive, but Spes was already setting aside the crystals to pay, mainly using those left by the giant bulb they had just defeated. Hilda checked the value of the crystals, returned a small portion, and thanked them. The three boys then left the room, with Orkan still complaining, muttering softly to himself.

They headed straight to the stable as they wanted to set off as soon as possible. Foscor was still far away, so they would only arrive the next day if they could maintain a good pace. Upon reaching the large building, Brini was already finishing the job, placing the saddle on Seaquake.

Brini explained how to use the caller, saying that with a press of the larger button, the lebreton would be alerted and would come to where its tutor was, emphasizing that they didn't always respond to the calls. She also explained other technicalities that didn't receive much attention, as the three were eager to ride their lebretons. After testing the mounts, they thanked her for the service and bid farewell, leaving the stable and distancing themselves from the farm.

With the saddles in place, riding the lebretons was even more comfortable and ergonomic. They could reach even higher speeds, covering a great distance with almost no effort. The three Hunters passed near other Creatures to test if they would be attacked, but they were completely ignored, further confirming the advantage of traveling in this way.

From time to time, they would stop and check the map, confirming the route and adjusting the direction, taking the opportunity to rest and eat something. They didn't necessarily need to follow the roads, but they were usually the shortest way. The rest of the journey went smoothly, without any setbacks or surprises.

When the sun had set, the three boys decided it was best to stop and end the day. They found a flat stretch of land near a crystal-clear stream, perfect for setting up camp. The late afternoon painted the sky with a dark orange, almost red hue, tinting the landscape as if it were a painting. The wind had subsided, turning into a gentle breeze, carrying the pure air of the open field where they chose to rest. They hopped off their lebretons, leaving them free to hop around and graze on the nearby grass. As Creatures, they didn't need to rest, relieving any guilt the boys might have felt for making them run so much.

Orkan took charge of building the campfire, while Aestus and Spes set up the tents. The Mage had his own tent, gray and slightly smaller than those of his two friends, opting to sleep separately to maintain a bit of privacy. In no time, the camp was ready, exuding a warm and picturesque ambiance. Spes observed the surroundings with his hands on his hips, proud of the excellent outcome they achieved by working together.

The sky had darkened quickly, and the fire burned slowly, crackling loudly, casting a strong orange glow. The boys were seated around the campfire, preparing a soup with the supplies they brought and the water from the nearby stream. Orkan and Aestus chatted enthusiastically about the childhood they had spent together, reminiscing about the adventures and mischief they got into, while Spes sat with his arms crossed over his knees, lost in thought. Realizing that the Lagomorph was absent from the conversation, Aestus decided to get his attention.

"Spes, everything alright? Spes?" He said, waving a hand in the direction Spes was looking.

The Mage jumped slightly, snapping out of his daydreams and rubbing his eyes. He put on a faint smile, feigning normalcy.

"Oh, yeah. Everything's fine, yeah," he said. "I was just... um... reminiscing about some things. I'm a bit tired, you know?" He stood up and stretched, pretending to yawn. "I think I'll turn in for the night. Tomorrow's going to be quite a day, right?"

"Are you sure everything's okay, Spes?" Orkan asked curiously. "You had a strange look on your face."

"Of course, everything's fine," Spes replied in his usual, more enthusiastic tone. "I'd be worried if I had a horse face like yours." And he winked at the Rogue.

"Ah, you cursed little rabbit," Orkan said, throwing a stone in Spes' direction, laughing. "And here I was worrying about you."

Spes deflected the stone with a protective spell, laughing. He bid them goodnight and entered his tent, saying goodnight to the other two. Aestus and Orkan remained seated for a while longer, conversing quietly and sporadically, contemplating life. The fire was already flickering when the two decided to retire for the night. There was no sign of the lebretons, which had dispersed, grazing around the area.

***

The next day dawned with a bright and scorching sun, a stark contrast to the previous day. Walking under such conditions would be exhausting, which made the help of the lebretons essential. If all went according to plan, they would reach Foscor by mid-afternoon, with the sun still high in the sky.

The first to wake up was Spes, who remained lying down, refusing to get up. He enjoyed indulging in this laziness, even though it wasn't the most productive use of his time. The interior of the tent was simple, small, but not claustrophobic. Very little light seeped in, allowing for deep sleep. The Mage lay on a comfortable cushion on the floor, leaning against one side of the tent. On the opposite side, he had placed his belongings, which were not many, taking up little space. Spes only missed his numerous pillows that used to occupy most of his bed. Nevertheless, the night had been peaceful, thoroughly recharging the Lagomorph's energy.

Spes decided to get up and start packing up to leave, surprised to find the other two still asleep. He then rekindled the campfire and began preparing breakfast, getting a head start on the task. Just before finishing brewing some tea, Aestus and Orkan emerged from their tent, wearing their wrinkled sleepwear. Orkan had half-open eyes and tousled hair, while Aestus didn't look like he had just woken up, maintaining his usual freshness.

The three boys greeted each other, and the Rogue headed to the stream to wash his face. Aestus helped Spes finish preparing the meal. In no time, they had all eaten and packed up their tents, donning their proper attire and ready to continue their journey. They activated their callers, and in the blink of an eye, the three lebretons appeared side by side, thrilled to see their tutors again. After petting their heads and adjusting the saddles, the boys mounted the Creatures and set off toward Foscor.

With the wind blowing against their faces, the sun was bearable, allowing for a smooth journey with only a few interruptions for rest. The longest break was for lunch, where they had a slightly more substantial meal and a longer rest. Continuing the trip, shortly after, a very peculiar phenomenon caught Aestus and Orkan's attention.

The sun rapidly descended, casting an intense twilight over the region. Aestus halted his lebreton, looking around with confusion. Orkan wore the same expression, equally puzzled. It fell to Spes to explain what they were experiencing.

"I guess you guys know that Foscor is the city of eternal night, right? The city that never wakes up. You've probably heard something about it," Spes explained, dismounting his lebreton, followed by the two young men. "Well, this is the transition zone. When we pass through here during the day, it creates this crazy effect, as if the day passed really quickly and the sun just rushed down to the horizon. If you want, you can run from one side to the other and look up at the sky. It's pretty wild."

Without needing to be told twice, Orkan and Aestus began to walk around, awestruck by the rapid transition. It was quite abrupt, defying all laws of nature. After spending some time doing this, the boys grew tired and returned to where Spes was patiently waiting, lying on the ground supported by his lebreton.

"And what's the explanation for this?" Aestus asked, still impressed.

"According to the tales," Spes said, standing up, "a very powerful Wizard who lived a long time ago wasn't a fan of brightness and sunlight. So, one day when he woke up extremely grumpy, he cast a powerful spell towards the sky that affected this entire region. No one knows how he managed to do it. But since then, the sun never rose in this whole area."

"And no one does anything to fix it?" Orkan inquired, a bit indignant.

"People did try to reason with the Wizard, but he was very cranky," Spes continued, smiling. "So the population started gathering, outraged, you know? But they noticed that a different flower began to grow in the fields surrounding the city. It was a blue flower, resembling a tulip, that glowed in the dark."

"Night fairies?" Aestus asked.

"Exactly!" Spes said, pointing at the Knight. "And as you probably know, night fairies are the raw material for the revitalizing potion, which replenishes the energy of Mages and Wizards. So, after some experiments and research, the residents of Foscor found a great use for these flowers that only grow in eternal night. With such a fantastic money-making opportunity, they decided it was better to leave things as they are. And that's the story of Foscor. We're almost there, just a few more minutes of travel. Oh, you can already see some plantations up ahead." Spes indicated a flowery field. "But let's go a bit further, and you'll witness the magic."

The three friends then mounted their lebretons again and continued their journey. Night fell almost immediately, enveloping them in darkness. Not far ahead, they could see several fields with night fairy plantations. The glow of the flowers was intense, with shades of blue and yellow, creating a strong and impressive illumination. The scene looked as if it came straight out of a children's tale, surreal and ethereal. The road leading to the city passed through the plantations, creating a well-defined path that was impossible to miss.

They reduced their speed to savor the beauty of the surrounding landscape. However, in no time, they reached the west gate of Foscor, where two guards stood on duty. Unlike Silvi, Foscor was surrounded by a high wall, protecting its interior from invaders and attacks. The wall was white with black details, and evenly spaced towers provided adequate and sufficient security. As they approached the entrance, the guards approached the travelers.

The three boys dismounted and approached the guards. They were dressed in black metal armor, covering their entire bodies except for their faces. The guard's voice was deep and commanding, somewhat contrasting with his physical stature. The guard was a Minati, a race with an average height much lower than the others. He didn't even reach Aestus's chest, who was relatively tall. The facial features of the guards were typical of the race, with more delicate and harmonious traits. The Minatis weren't visually imposing or intimidating, so they compensated with a deep voice and intricate armor.

However, a striking and enigmatic characteristic of the Minatis is their eyes. They are completely black, from the iris to the sclera. There are no visible pupils, only a profound darkness that seems to absorb the light around them. Gazing into these eyes is like losing oneself in a dark abyss, where no trace of the typical Humanoid white sclera is visible. These eyes, black as night, can convey deep serenity and wisdom, while also carrying a touch of restlessness and mystery. When light falls upon them, the eyes seem to glow faintly, reflecting a soft luminescence that adds a supernatural touch to their presence.

Spes decided to take the lead, being the shortest of the three boys, in an attempt to appear more approachable. There weren't many reasons to restrict visitors' entry to Foscor, but after the recent attack on Silvi, the authorities were more cautious.

After introducing themselves and explaining the purpose of their visit, the guards allowed the three travelers to enter, not before recording their names. However, they couldn't enter with the lebretons. The boys bid farewell to the Creatures, which soon disappeared into three vortices of fur, probably returning to Brini and Hilda's farm.

Spes led the way, heading towards the Guild of Foscor. As they passed through the gates, Aestus and Orkan were welcomed by the incredible sight of Foscor's architecture. While Comanse was simple and functional and Silvi was homely and welcoming, Foscor was ornate and opulent. The city's houses and businesses were beautiful, with modern structures filled with details. The residences had large gardens with various arrangements of night fairies. The buildings were either made of very dark wood or finely-cut stone. It seemed that nothing was out of place, everything was organized and clean.

The lighting was subdued and uniform, without overly bright lights, maintaining a serious tone throughout the city. The squares had synthetic plants, as the natural ones couldn't survive without sunlight, and the decorations mainly consisted of night fairies. The city's standardization felt somewhat unnatural, causing some unease to the young visitors. If they weren't being guided by Spes, they would have gotten lost long ago, despite the visible signs with efficient signaling.

The closer they got to the center, the more luxurious the properties became, which seemed impossible, given that the outskirts' houses were already very posh. Orkan began to feel uncomfortable, as if he were an intruder in such a refined environment. However, the city's inhabitants were very friendly, greeting the visitors with joy upon seeing them.

"Foscor is a city with a large number of tourists," Spes explained, "so everyone here will treat us well. At least, as long as we have crystals to pay for everything..."

The Minatis were known for placing great value on money and trade. With a knack for calculations and keen mental acuity, they were the first to establish an economic value for crystals, creating the entire commercial network of Kairos. With the technology developed by the Lagomorphs and improved by Baruc, crystal energy extraction basically drives the entire planet's economy. Thus, the Minatis were responsible for handling transactions and financial reserves, creating the only existing bank, headquartered in Foscor.

The most common Class among the Minatis was Dark Wizard, a powerful Class of offensive spells, essential for long-range combat with elemental attacks. The relative absence of physical combat Classes combined with their aptitude for mathematics made the Minatis uninterested in Hunts, and they were not often seen outside of Foscor and the battlefields.

The Guild was located in a small old building, near the city center. When they arrived at the door, the three Hunters had a small mishap. There was a notice posted, informing that the Guild was under renovation and temporarily operating in the lobby of the Grandiose Hotel. Asking around, they received directions on how to get there, heading towards a not-so-distant square. The square was large, but smaller and less beautiful than Silvi's central square. Many city residents were there, with several children playing and parents keeping an eye on them.

The square was rectangular, with slightly brighter lighting than the surrounding streets, but still maintaining a serious and functional aura. There was a large playground surrounded by simple stone benches. The main attraction of the square was a large fountain with four small fountains at its vertices and large arrangements of night fairies. The floor was made of geometric tiles, meticulously positioned, forming a beautiful pattern. The environment, though beautiful, was not cozy, lacking distinctive scents or any background music. Everything seemed very formal.

The Grandiose Hotel, on the other hand, was quite eye-catching, with an antique architecture that distinguished it from the surrounding buildings. As the name implied, it was very large, occupying an entire block and with multiple floors. It was primarily built of wood, with some newer parts made of stone added later. The facade looked like a dark castle, with tall doors, detailed columns framing the entrance, and various windows with stained glass mosaics. Its appearance was somewhat gothic and ancient, contrasting with the bold and modern architecture around it. This indicated that the hotel must have been traditional in the city.

Aestus pushed the heavy wooden doors, entering a large carpeted lobby scented with a subtle floral perfume, decorated in black, purple, and red. The environment had soft lighting, emanating from a large crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, creating ethereal patterns on the walls. On the left, there was a long and wide counter, where the hotel reception was located, while on the opposite wall, there was a crude and improvised wooden booth that absurdly contrasted with the rest of the setting. A makeshift sign hung there, reading "Hunters Guild" handwritten. It was a rather sad sight, with the sign noticeably crooked and written with uneven handwriting.

Sitting at the booth was a muscular Minati with short black hair and a large beard divided in the middle, wearing a worn and stained white tank top. He casually chewed on his nails, paying little attention to his surroundings. The three boys approached the booth, with a feeling of pity and discouragement.

"Hey, good afternoon, or would it be good evening?" Aestus greeted the Minati, who lifted his gaze languidly. "My name is Aestus. We are three Hunters and we are looking for a Dark Wizard to accompany us on Hunts. Can you help us?"

The Minati glanced lazily at the three boys, scratching his chest and yawning. The Hunters couldn't hide their reaction to such a rundown scene. Aestus was genuinely indignant, his brow furrowed, while Spes was incredulous, gaping in astonishment, and Orkan stifled a chuckle, placing his hand over his mouth. After what seemed like an eternity, the Guild's caretaker reluctantly decided to respond.

"Good evening, welcome to the Guild of Foscor," he said, drowsy. "My name is Bixor. We're going through renovations in the Guild building and will return there once the work is done. If it ever finishes," he added, almost inaudibly. "Sorry, what did you say you wanted again?"

Upon closer inspection, Aestus noticed that Bixor was a miniature copy of Barthos and, consequently, also resembled Baitu. He wondered if there were any prerequisites to becoming caretakers of the Guilds across the world. Orkan and Spes had already dispersed, leaving the Knight to his fruitless search. The Rogue had headed towards the restaurant, and Spes seemed quite amused by the flowers decorating the lobby. The initial plan to find available Dark Wizards in the Guild had gone awry. Now, they would depend solely on luck to find someone willing to take on Hunts in this city.

"I wanted to see if you know any Dark Wizard who would like to join a group of Hunters," Aestus repeated, his tone of voice disheartened and hopeless, his shoulders slumped.

"Ah, I'm not aware of anyone," Bixor replied, sitting back down. "There are some contracts on the notice board; I think you can get in touch with someone throught them," he pointed to the board leaning against the floor next to the booth, then resumed chewing on his nails.

Dragging his feet, Aestus walked over to the notice board, looking at the numerous papers haphazardly affixed to it out of a sense of duty. It was no wonder that the Guild was in such a state of neglect. Apparently, no hunt had been completed in a long time. Looking on the bright side, they would have plenty of opportunities to hone their skills and earn a substantial amount of money. The Knight stretched, cracking his neck and fingers, and began to peruse the posted messages.

The papers were stacked one on top of the other, without any order or logic. Some were torn, disintegrating at Aestus's touch. After dedicating more time than he should have, Aestus walked away carrying a small stack of contracts. Some of them seemed quite lucrative, offering handsome rewards for straightforward tasks. Others were chosen at random, in an attempt to find a potential candidate for the group. Feeling a bit more hopeful, the Knight went to find his companions in the hotel.

Aestus headed to the reception, where he was promptly attended to by a hotel employee dressed in impeccable formal attire, in stark contrast to his experience with Bixor. The counter was immense, spanning the entire length of the wall, made of dark, intricately carved wood. Upon inquiring about the whereabouts of his friends, Aestus was informed that they had gone to the hotel's restaurant, located in an adjacent hall. The attendant, upon realizing they were Hunters, mentioned that the hotel was offering significant discounts on accommodations and meals since the Guild's lodgings were unavailable. Aestus thanked him and went after the other two boys.

Upon entering the dining hall, Aestus was taken aback by its vastness. An absurd number of tables were meticulously arranged in rows, allowing for smooth traffic between them. Symmetrically scattered dark columns featured detailed and beautiful carvings, providing gentle lighting. The walls were adorned with light-colored wood, contrasting with the dark furniture upholstered in purple velvet. The tables were covered with beautiful black linen cloths, adorned with silver embroidery. Above them, crystals shimmered like candles, and silverware glinted, awaiting the next meal.

The Minati waiters, dressed in elegant yet functional uniforms, glided gracefully through the hall, attending to the guests with warm smiles. Their movements were subtle and precise, providing a unique and magical experience. A soft background music, emanating from an indeterminate source, blended with the aroma of sumptuous and refined meals, completing the exquisite ambiance.

Aestus felt somewhat out of place in such a chic environment, never having entered a place this upscale. He soon found his friends, seated at one of the tables, looking around with a mixed expression of admiration and awkwardness. Before he could even ask anything to the other two, a waiter approached him, inquiring if he wanted something to drink. The waiter's efficiency caught Aestus off guard, and he could only stammer a response, declining the offer.

"Dude, what is this?" Orkan whispered in a low voice. "We don't belong in a place like this. I think I'm too dirty even to sit on these chairs." And he sniffed his armpits, though not as discreetly as he thought.

"I picked up these contracts here," Aestus said, spreading the papers on the table, creating a pleasant rustling sound as he rubbed them against the tablecloth. "I think we can split up and talk to the contractors, see if anyone is willing to join us."

The other two boys nodded in agreement. Spes took some of the papers, reading the information with a downcast expression. Aestus knew it wasn't the best plan, but they didn't know anyone in the city, so they had to do what was within their reach. After outlining plans and strategies, analyzing a local map, the three set out to find the contractors in the hope of finding someone crazy enough to leave that phenomenal city with them.

***

After a few hours, Spes returned to the hotel and entered the dining hall, finding the other two boys already seated. The Mage walked with drooped shoulders and a downturned mouth, clearly unsuccessful in his endeavors. His companions wore similar expressions. Orkan was taking a drink straight from the bottle, disregarding the etiquette the place demanded. Spes's stomach let out a quiet rumble, indicating it was indeed time to stop and have dinner.

"No luck either?" the Lagomorph asked, sitting across from Aestus.

The Knight shook his head, prompting a heart-wrenching sigh from Spes. His ears drooped so much they were visible through the sides of his hair. Before they could continue the conversation, a Minati waitress appeared next to their table to take their orders. Unlike all the other employees who attended to them enthusiastically and with smiles, this young girl seemed apathetic and clearly impatient.

"Do you want to place your orders now?" she asked in a monotonous and disheartened tone, as if each word weighed heavily on her soul, lacking any enthusiasm or energy.

"I haven't decided yet, sorry," Spes replied, looking at the girl, unable to hide the strangeness he felt.

She possessed natural beauty, with small almond-shaped eyes making it difficult to discern the blackness that was typical of the Minatis' eyes. Her nose was slightly upturned and petite, complementing her thin-lipped mouth. Her long, straight black hair had purple ombre ends. She was dressed differently from the other employees, wearing a black corset with purple details over a blouse with small puff sleeves. She also wore a flowing black skirt that reached her knees.

Upon hearing Spes's negative response, she quickly withdrew without saying a word. The Mage observed her movements with a bit of fear but also curiosity. The three boys then continued their conversation, recounting their experiences. Aestus mentioned that the contractors were only interested in their problems being solved and paid little attention to the Knight's questions. Orkan, on the other hand, had two doors slammed in his face, encountering the most irritable and impatient people on the list. Spes, meanwhile, encountered people happy to come across a Light Mage, asking for healing spells for themselves or their relatives. None of them, however, wanted to join him.

"So that's it, guys. We'll keep trying tomorrow," Aestus said, leaning back in his chair and letting his arms fall by his sides. "We can spend our days here doing hunts while looking for someone to join us. Dark Wizards are plentiful here."

"Don't take this the wrong way, Aestus, but I don't think we'll find anyone willing to take the risk and face the hardships of this Hunter's life," Orkan vented.

Before Spes could give his opinion, the bored waitress appeared next to their table again, speaking with slightly more enthusiasm:

"Are you looking for a Witch to accompany you on hunts? I'm interested. If you can give me more information, I'd appreciate it," she said, sitting down at the table. "Nice to meet you all, my name is Hadria."