The Oracle awakened from another one of their visions. Having the power to glimpse into the future is a constant burden that needs to be filtered and controlled. Not everything needs to be predicted, nor is every choice potentially relevant. But this was a vision the Oracle had long yearned for. Now that the foresight had finally occurred, they didn't know if they were ready to deal with its consequences.

The Oracle sat with their elbows resting on their knees, massaging their temples with their fingers. Their head didn't ache; it was merely an act to try and ward off the negative thoughts. Despite their outward confidence, internally they always feared not being able to set their plan into motion. The fact that nobody knew they possessed the power of precognition didn't help either.

The future is not predetermined, as many believe. Every action, no matter how small, can drastically change the events that are yet to come. That's why the Oracle suffers from the pressure: only they can determine what will happen.

The Oracle stood up and began to walk, lost in thought. What if they simply gave up? What if they revealed themselves to the world as the Oracle? What if they confided in a trusted individual? With each of these thoughts, the consequences of each action materialized in their mind. None of them were favorable.

The only option was to stick to the original plan. The Oracle let out a deep sigh. The gears begin to turn.

***

The sunlight streamed through the window, accompanied by a gentle breeze. The white curtains swayed silently, engaging in a subtle dance. Orkan lay on his bed, unsure if he was pretending or attempting to go back to sleep. The day he had been waiting for had finally arrived. Or was it the day he feared? He wasn't entirely certain. Perhaps it was a mixture of both. Any minute now, Aestus would arrive to call on him. Sometimes his excitement exhausted him, but Aestus was a good friend. The only one who hadn't abandoned him when Orkan's Class manifested.

Orkan tossed and turned in bed, trying not to dwell on it. It's not like he could do anything about it. He had always been an independent man who didn't care about other people's opinions. Not even his family's, if he could still call them that. The reality was that deep down, Orkan didn't know if he would be able to handle the changes, thus proving what everyone said.

"You're useless."

"What's use is a Rogue?"

"When has stealing been considered a skill?"

"What will they say when they discover your Class?"

Orkan heard these phrases echoing in his mind, practically every day. And he feared he wouldn't be able to prove them wrong. But, from an outsider's perspective, no one would say these were his thoughts. Orkan was, at least outwardly, the typical Rogue. Tall, slender, agile, and very cocky and sarcastic. His slightly wavy blond hair, parted in the middle, matched his blue, almost green eyes. His swiftness in action, however, didn't always align with his thinking, which could use a bit more agility.

The narrow bed at the inn was comfortable, allowing for refreshing sleep, but not quite enough. It was the only place he could afford since he had been kicked out of his house two years ago without even a cracked crystal. But now everything was going to change. Orkan would be able to quit his job at the dairy and pursue his dream.

"Hey, lazybones! Time to wake up," Aestus suddenly shouted as he arrived at the window of the room.

Orkan jumped on the bed, almost instantly standing upright. He hadn't even fully adjusted to his extraordinary agility yet, as he rarely used his abilities in everyday life. Aestus looked at his friend, chuckling slightly but also impressed. He hoped Orkan would be ready, but knew it wouldn't be the case. On the contrary, Aestus had been ready for hours, dressed in his snug leather armor and having sharpened his sword as best he could.

Aestus couldn't hide his excitement upon discovering that he was a Knight. He had suspected that that would be his Class since his strength had suddenly increased without much explanation when he was a teenager. In the world of Kairos, people develop physical characteristics and abilities according to their Class, which unfortunately cannot be chosen. Nobody knows exactly what determines a person's Class, whether it's something genetic, dependent on their actions during childhood, influenced by parental upbringing, or a higher force at work. Thus, Knights possess more strength and even have skin more resistant to injuries, while Rogues are extremely agile with keen perception.

There is a multitude of different Classes in Kairos, ranging from magic-based ones, like Light Mages and Dark Wizards, to those specialized in physical combat, like Fighters and Guardians. There are also people who never develop a Class throughout their lives (pejoratively called "Untouched"). Some prefer to live their lives normally, not paying much attention to their Classes, while others dedicate themselves body and soul, believing they are responding to a call of destiny. Aestus belonged to the latter group.

"I'm awake, Aestus," Orkan complained. "I'm just not as hyperactive as you. Calm down. I'll get changed, and then we can go."

Aestus gripped the window frame, barely containing his excitement. Orkan noticed that his friend was getting stronger every day, which perfectly complemented his archetype as the popular guy. Aestus always kept his curly hair neatly cut, shaved on the sides. His teeth were straight and white, creating a beautiful contrast against his very dark skin. He turned away from the window, giving Orkan some privacy.

Orkan changed his clothes, putting on a pair of stretchable trousers and his characteristic hooded shirt. He also secured his daggers in their leather sheaths, attaching them to his belt. After glancing at himself in the mirror and being startled by the deeper-than-usual dark circles under his eyes, Orkan leaped out of the window, joining Aestus.

"Orkan, I know you're really anxious about this day," Aestus said, putting his arm around his friend's back, "even if you won't admit it. But that's okay, no problem. I'm excited for both of us! Do you realize we're finally old enough to get the Hunter's license? Well... old enough and with enough crystals, right?"

"If you didn't spend all your savings on new equipment, we would have gotten that license months ago," Orkan teased. "Seems like you have a need to buy a new armor every week."

"It's not my fault I'm in my second growth phase! The armors were simply becoming too small. The life of a Knight isn't easy," Aestus said, eyes closed, putting on a show.

Orkan pushed Aestus, rolling his eyes but letting out a discreet laugh. The friends walked through the small village of Comanse where they had lived since birth. Comanse was a little-known town primarily focused on grain cultivation and animal husbandry. The mild climate, flat terrain, and relatively frequent light rains contributed to a productive agriculture and robust livestock. The abundance of Earth Crystals in the region, enriching the soil, was also essential for the success of the farmers.

The two young men strolled through the village streets, conversing, passing by the small cozy houses with the scent of freshly baked bread in the air. The day was truly beautiful, with warm sunshine and a constant refreshing breeze. Aestus' excitement was truly contagious, making Orkan feel more energized. The villagers greeted Aestus enthusiastically, waving with a smile on their faces. That smile quickly faded upon spotting Orkan, not very subtly.

"What do you think our first hunt will be?" Aestus asked, paying no attention to the change in the villagers' expressions. "I think it'll be a flaming stag. Or maybe a griffin, can you imagine? No, I think that's too much for us right now. A flaming stag is still the best bet; I've heard some rumors that one's been roaming the region."

"I think we can handle one of those. Man, it's going to be easy money," Orkan said, rubbing his hands together with a gleam in his eye.

"Do flaming stags produce non-elemental crystals along with the fire ones?"

Orkan shrugged, raising his hands. Maybe neither of them was truly as ready to be Hunters as they thought. In Kairos, there are basically two types of animals in nature: natives and Creatures. Creatures are magical animals that appear from time to time in the world. Unlike natives, these animals don't have a normal life cycle of growth, reproduction, and aging. Creatures can be summoned through magic and abilities, but their main origin is portals that randomly open at various points on the planet. Once a year, there is a significant influx of these Creatures during an event called the Incursion, where multiple portals open simultaneously, drastically increasing the number of Creatures in the world and, consequently, the work of the Hunters.

The Creatures, when defeated in combat, simply dissipate into the air, leaving behind some crystals that can be of different elements, such as fire, water, wind, earth, electricity, light, darkness, and nature. There are also those without elemental charge, containing only raw energy within them. These crystals greatly assist the lives of the inhabitants of Kairos, as they help with daily tasks such as heating homes, powering electrical devices, and doing laundry. Thus, it can be said that crystals drive the economy in general and are widely used as currency throughout the planet.

"Just the thought that we'll be able to help so many people, experience new emotions, embark on adventures, discover new places... And still earn crystals while doing it!" Aestus said, counting on his fingers to emphasize his point.

Orkan gave his friend an incredulous look, then burst into laughter.

"Man, do you realize that I'm only doing this for the money, right?" Orkan retorted, still chuckling. "Adventure and excitement come second. Helping others is overrated."

"You say that just to maintain the image that you don't care about anything. You can fool everyone, but not me," Aestus said, with a slight tone of mockery. He knew his friend well.

The young men continued their conversation as they walked, discussing what they would do with the crystals they would collect, which Creatures they might be hired to defeat, and other random topics. In no time, they arrived at the Hunters' Guild. The Guild is an organization that spans the entire extent of Kairos, serving all races and cities, standardizing the essential work of the Hunters. The two friends entered through the guild's large doors, heading straight to the reception counter.

The interior of the Guild had a welcoming and youthful atmosphere, with a few tables in one corner near a bar. In the other corner was the reception counter, close to the office. Upstairs, there were rooms available for Hunters from out of town who were on missions far from their own city. Leading this unit of the Guild was Barthos, a very tall Knight with a booming voice and a well-groomed voluminous beard. Barthos had already lived through his prime, having been gravely injured during a hunt and deciding it was better to retire and take care of the Guild. He highly valued the work of the Hunters and carried out his duties with enthusiasm, always trying to attract new Hunters.

"Aestus, Orkan! You two finally showed up!" Barthos bellowed, spreading his arms wide. His voice could be heard throughout the building. "So, today is the big day?"

The two boys timidly confirmed. Barthos was an intimidating figure, despite being very friendly.

"We're ready to help the people of Comanse!" Aestus exclaimed, slamming his hand on the counter.

"And make some money," Orkan added, in a low voice.

"That's the spirit!" Barthos replied proudly, putting his hands on his hips. Orkan suspected he didn't hear his comment. "Did you bring money for the registration fee and your Materializers?"

Both of them answered affirmatively, placing a heavy bag of non-elemental crystals on the counter. Barthos began feeding the contents of the bags into a machine, measuring the energy value of each crystal and adding up the total afterward.

"I'm really glad to see young people becoming Hunters, you know?" Barthos said while evaluating the crystals. "The number of Hunters in Comanse has decreased significantly since they installed that mine up north. I don't understand it, but I don't judge either. Being a Hunter is risky, while working in the mines is much safer."

"But it's so boring. I tried working there for a while, but I couldn't handle it." Aestus spoke, impatiently tapping his fingers on the counter.

Barthos finished the task and turned to Aestus, saying, "I have to agree with you, my fellow Knight. That Baruc fellow changed our lives, but at what cost?"

Baruc was a powerful businessman who discovered and mastered the science of harnessing the power of crystals. The extraction of natural crystal deposits became extremely profitable, driving this market and exponentially increasing the number of mines scattered across the planet. As a result, obtaining crystals through the old-fashioned way of hunting Creatures has become increasingly scarce, primarily pursued by adventure enthusiasts.

Barthos handed the Hunter badges to the two newcomers, along with their Materializers, which were magical glove-like devices.

"I assume you know how to use the Materializer, at least in theory, right?" Barthos asked. Aestus and Orkan nodded timidly. "You'll get the hang of it with time. Just remember to enchant your weapons properly. Now, onto the important part: which contract will be your first?"

With enthusiasm, Barthos pointed to a notice board attached to the wall next to the counter. It displayed various notes and papers indicating available services for Hunters. Aestus's eyes went straight to a request from a farmer begging for help to deal with a flaming deer that was destroying his crops.

"This one!" Aestus exclaimed, pointing to the flyer, with a smile on his face and anticipation shining in his eyes. Orkan made a confirming sound, with a brave expression on his face.

Barthos burst into a loud laughter, surprising the two young men. He stroked his beard with one hand, composing himself, and explained:

"Well, this is a level three hunt. You need to start slowly, with something simpler. The level one requests are here," Barthos pointed to the top left corner of the board. "There are several residents asking for help. You can choose."

Orkan looked at the indicated requests, indignant, quickly reading through them.

"Killing giant flies? Gathering medicinal herbs? Searching for a lost kitten?! This isn't a job for a Hunter!"

Barthos looked at Orkan with a very serious expression, his eyes disappearing beneath his furrowed thick eyebrows.

"But Barthos, hold on," Aestus said, a bit frustrated but trying to calm things down. "We can come to an agreement, take on a slightly more challenging task, can't we?"

"Rules are rules, Aestus. And if there's one thing I value in the Guild, it's safety! I know that better than anyone." Barthos said, pointing to his knee. "If someone had cared about me, I wouldn't be here behind this counter now."

Aestus and Orkan exchanged glances, feeling a bit embarrassed. The Knight walked up to the notice board and took the ticket requesting the elimination of giant flies. It wasn't what he expected, but at least it was something. Barthos took the paper from Aestus's hands, appearing calmer.

"Great choice, boys. It says here that you should head to Mrs. Geris's farm and introduce yourselves as Guild's representatives there to help her," Barthos explained, returning to his friendly demeanor.

Orkan took the contract and tucked it into his vest, heading towards the exit. Barthos bid farewell to the young men, jotting something down in the registry book. Aestus followed his friend, waving to Barthos with a smile on his face.

"Is this serious, Aestus? Giant flies?" Orkan asked, sounding exasperated.

"Relax, Orkan. Let's see it as a warm-up. We'll finish this hunt quickly, and then we can come back and take on a better one. We'll definitely be at a higher level after this job. Besides, think about how happy Mrs. Geris will be," Aestus said, lightly punching Orkan's shoulder, a smirk on his face.

Orkan couldn't hide his frustration, huffing. Anyone could eliminate giant flies without much effort. Didn't Mrs. Geris have a neighbor to help her?

"Let's go, we don't have much else to do anyway," Orkan said, throwing his arms up in resignation. "At least we can test these Materializers since they weren't cheap."

After about 15 minutes of walking, the friends arrived at their destination. Aestus was quite excited, while Orkan had already accepted their low rank in the Guild. The farm was a small property with simple wooden fences and a vast green lawn. A few sheep could be seen peacefully grazing while a short old lady sat under a leafy tree, observing the animals.

The two new Hunters passed through a gate and approached the elderly woman. She saw them coming and stood up, dusting off her cotton pants with one hand while holding her staff with the other.

"Good day, Mrs. Geris. We are Aestus and Orkan," the Knight introduced themselves, and Orkan quickly saluted.

"Oh, how prompt. I posted the request just yesterday!" Geris exclaimed, looking at the young men with curiosity. "A Knight and a Rogue, I presume. A great pair. I'm a Light Mage myself, but not very skilled in magic. I can only heal minor wounds and create weak shields. I'm much better at taking care of animals."

Geris chuckled as she shook their hands. She thanked them for their willingness to help and instructed them to be careful. The bites from the giant flies were more painful than people thought. Aestus and Orkan jumped over the fence and entered the small grove behind the property.

The spacing between the trees didn't hinder their movement much, but it was enough to obstruct their view far ahead. The two men walked forward, unsure of where to go. Aestus was about to ask Orkan for suggestions when the Rogue placed a hand on his shoulder.

Orkan brought a finger to his lips and then pointed it towards his ear, indicating that Aestus should listen carefully. Aestus didn't hear anything, though. He remembered that the senses of Rogues were much sharper than those of Knights. Orkan gestured in the direction they should follow, and they proceeded cautiously.

After a few meters, a clearing came into view. Aestus could now hear a faint but constant buzzing. There was a group of approximately 20 giant flies. Aestus had seen these insects before. Some of them would escape from the forests and invade Comanse. He had defeated one of them two years ago, so he felt prepared.

"There are 17 of them," Orkan said, waking Aestus from his thoughts. "We can handle them easily, no problem."

"Okay, what's the plan?" Aestus asked.

Orkan looked confused at Aestus. What plan?

"Don't we just charge in and start killing?" Orkan asked, extending his arms.

"If three of them attack you simultaneously, they can cause serious damage," Aestus crouched down and drew an imaginary circle on the ground. "I suggest this strategy: I'll go in from here, initiating the attack, and you come in from this side, catching some of them from behind. They are quite agile, but I believe you can take down several of them."

Orkan agreed to the plan, feeling somewhat insecure but trying not to show it. The flies were larger than he expected, measuring approximately 70cm in length. They had an iridescent exoskeleton, partially covered by two pairs of translucent wings. The best place to attack them was at the junction between the thorax and abdomen, where their bodies were thinner and more fragile.

Aestus remained in his position while he waited for Orkan to arrive at the designated spot. He decided to test his Materializer to avoid being caught off guard without his sword. Aestus made a gesture with his right hand, where the Materializer was equipped, turning it outward, focusing and channeling energy into his palm.

Instantly, his sword materialized in his hand, appearing out of thin air. Even though it went as expected, Aestus was amazed to see that it had worked. This invention was truly useful, sparing the Hunters from carrying their heavy weapons up and down.

Aestus looked at his weapon with pride. It was a two-handed sword, heavy but with finely sharpened edges. At the base of the sword, Aestus had embedded a blue crystal he had inherited from his mother. She said it was a crystal without any magical energy, just a family heirloom with little commercial value. After his parents passed away, it was a way for Aestus to remember them and honor everything they had done for him.

Aestus snapped out of his memories, noticing movement at the opposite end of his position. Orkan was already positioned at the entrance of the clearing, waiting for Aestus to take the initiative. The knight firmly gripped his sword with both hands, looking towards the Creatures. He chose the one closest to him as his target and ran towards it.

Most of the flies hadn't noticed Aestus' presence when he struck the first one, hitting its weak spot with his sword. The fly was instantly cleaved in two, falling to the ground and evaporating shortly after. Two small crystals could be seen where the creature had fallen.

All the flies turned and headed towards Aestus, with a group of five already closing in on him. Aestus let out a war cry, boosting his strength and endurance. He swung his sword horizontally, defeating two more flies while being attacked by two others, getting bitten on his forearm and rib.

Orkan instinctively materialized his daggers, leaping into the clearing right after. His heightened agility allowed him to reach the flies before they could react, easily dispatching three of them stealthily. The remaining Creatures then divided, with four focused on Orkan and seven on Aestus.

Aestus shook off the two flies that had attacked him, paying little attention to his minor injuries. He could see that Orkan was already engaged in battle as well. There wasn't much time to think as two more flies lunged at him. Aestus spun around his axis, slashing the flies horizontally with his sword, easily killing them. A third fly attacked him immediately after, but Aestus managed to defend against the onslaught with his sword.

The other four flies converged on Orkan simultaneously. He skillfully evaded their attacks, leaping over the last two flies and landing blows between their wings. Meanwhile, Aestus was attacked again, managing to grab the fly before it could bite him. He threw the creature to the ground and impaled its abdomen with his sword.

Orkan didn't wait to be attacked this time, charging at the flies and striking their heads with rapid blows. He was now free to help his friend. Aestus was lifting his sword, caught off guard with his defenses down. Three flies lunged at the Knight at once, launching a surprise attack. The creatures struck his torso in a single strong blow, throwing him backward. Aestus fell onto his back, dazed and without his sword.

In an instant, the flies were upon Aestus, attempting to attack him. He tried to defend himself, bringing his hands to his face, but one of the flies bit his legs. Aestus thought quickly, materializing his sword and managing to strike the creatures that were on his legs. However, the last two flies were positioned over his head, in an unfavorable position for Aestus.

The creatures headed for Aestus' neck, one on each side. He braced himself for the bites, anticipating the pain that would follow. However, the two flies dissolved, with crystals falling onto Aestus. He rose to his feet, confused, looking around. Orkan was gazing at his friend with a cocky expression on his face, materializing the daggers he had thrown at the flies attacking Aestus.

Orkan helped his friend up, assessing the wounds he had suffered. Nothing serious, it seemed. Aestus expressed his gratitude for the assistance, appearing somewhat embarrassed. It served as a lesson to him: never underestimate his enemies.

The boys collected all the crystals left behind by the creatures, pleased with the outcome of the hunt. It wasn't a substantial amount of money, but it was certainly more thrilling than milking cows. They then made their way back to Geris' farm, walking and chatting excitedly about the battle.

They quickly reached the fence, finding the friendly lady awaiting the Hunters' return. They informed her that the job was done, having eliminated 17 giant flies. Geris jumped gleefully, visibly pleased with the resolution of her problems. She then looked concernedly at Aestus.

"You're injured, young man. Come here, I'll help you with that."

Geris extended her left arm, palm open toward Aestus. She closed her eyes and concentrated, murmuring an incantation. A soft green light traveled through Aestus' body, swirling around his limbs and torso. The wounds closed within seconds, disappearing along with the pain they had caused. It wasn't the first time Aestus had been healed by a mage, but that didn't stop him from being surprised once again. A sense of freshness and cleanliness emanated from his body. Aestus felt rejuvenated, as if he had just woken up from a nap.

Geris opened her eyes, blinking rapidly. She seemed a bit drained, swaying slightly. Orkan quickly put an arm around her back, concerned. The lady leaned on the Rogue, soon returning to normal. She shook her head, letting out a sheepish laugh.

"I told you I'm not a very good Mage. My power is very low; I wasn't born for this," Geris said, pressing her lips together. Not all people of the same Class are equal. Some show more aptitude, while others develop more skills. Everything can be improved, though, with training and dedication, but some people have an easier time. Geris was one of those individuals with very limited magical power.

Aestus expressed his gratitude for the healing, looking at his armor with regret. It was stained with blood in some places and had holes caused by the creatures. At least the crystals they collected would be enough to pay for repairs at a Blacksmith's. Geris requested the contract for the hunt so that she could sign it, thus confirming that the job had been successfully completed. After obtaining the signed contract, Geris thanked the boys effusively, and they, in turn, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity. It felt like a long time had passed since the two of them were complaining to Barthos about the job. They returned to the Guild feeling proud, running instead of just walking as before.

Orkan reached the Guild first, slamming the door open. The loud noise caught the attention of the Hunters who were seated at the tables, having lunch. They looked the Rogue up and down with little reaction and returned to their meal. Aestus arrived shortly after, panting, placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. Orkan dramatically fixed his hair and took out the envelope with the contract from his pants pocket. He held it out in front of him, with his arm extended, showing it to Barthos. The Guild's commander had his arms crossed, wearing a mixed expression of surprise and admiration. He knew Aestus would be a great hunter, but he didn't think Orkan would have as much success in the field. It seemed he was wrong, and he was very happy about it.

"Mission accomplished" Orkan said, puffing out his chest, heading towards Barthos. The young man handed over the signed contract, which was verified by the commander.

"Looks like Mrs. Geris was very pleased. She even left a note here in the corner. 'Very agile and helpful,' along with a little smiley face drawn. Congratulations, boys. You exceeded my expectations" Barthos spoke.

Aestus reached the counter, still catching his breath. Keeping up with a Rogue running was not easy at all. Barthos was already jotting down details of the hunt in his book and updating the profiles of the two new hunters. Aestus was already looking at the notice board, eager to take on new contracts. Orkan was fidgeting in place, impatient. After endless minutes, Barthos stood up, placing a small bag on the counter. He looked at the boys and said:

"Here's your first payment. Congratulations on the job!"

Aestus glanced at the bag, feeling a bit disappointed. Even though the amount was specified in the contract, he had still hoped for more. He looked at Orkan, fearing the explosion of anger that was about to come. However, surprisingly, Orkan was staring in disbelief, with his eyes gleaming and his mouth slightly open. Aestus tried to decipher what was happening, but his train of thought was interrupted by his friend.

"I would need to work nearly a whole month to receive this... I'm rich!"

Orkan snatched the bag from Barthos' hands in a swift motion, as if there was a risk of losing the payment if it stayed in someone else's possession for another second. He held his payment as if it were a newborn child, with utmost care, protecting it with an almost maternal instinct. Aestus felt relieved, exhaling with a chuckle. The other Hunters momentarily diverted their attention from their plates, finding amusement in Orkan's reaction, which he didn't notice at all.

"Alright, what's our next hunt? I'm ready!" Orkan exclaimed eagerly, looking at the notice board.

Barthos let out a hearty laugh, happy to see the Rogue's enthusiasm. It had been a while since he had welcomed newcomers to the Guild, especially someone with such a strong desire to work.

"Let's take it easy, my boy. Why don't you both have lunch first? The food here at the Guild is excellent, and the price is lower for Hunters" Barthos pointed to the tables near the counter.

Orkan and Aestus sat at one of the tables, ordering a full meal from the bar attendant. They ate while talking among themselves, vividly recounting the battle with the giant flies, recalling every detail. After eating, they sat in silence for a few moments, allowing their food to settle. Orkan began to pay attention to the other Hunters around them. There were only two groups: a Knight and an Archer, sitting together at one table, and a Dark Wizard, a Spearwoman, and another Knight at another table. There were several empty tables, a sign that the Guild had housed many other Hunters before.

The Archer and the Knight were whispering to each other, which piqued Orkan's curiosity. The Rogue focused intensely, activating his perception ability and managing to discern what was being said.

"So tomorrow morning, we'll take the contract for the blazing deer. I have a feeling those three at the other table have their eyes on that contract," whispered the Archer. "The payment is good, and it's an easy Creature to hunt. The easiest money we've ever made."

"If I hadn't exhausted all my energy in this morning's hunt, we'd grab that contract right now," replied the Knight, taking a sip of his drink. "The shell of that armadillo was tougher than I expected. I'll take the opportunity to get my sword fixed at the Blacksmith this afternoon."

"Are you listening to me?" Aestus nudged Orkan, bringing him back. Apparently, Aestus had been talking for a while without his friend assimilating any information. Orkan shook his head slightly, as if changing the frequency he was tuned into.

"Sorry, I was paying attention to something else," Orkan explained. "Anyway, we NEED to take on more contracts this afternoon."

"But that's exactly what I was saying, you stubborn head. I think we could take on one more contract and—"

"No!" Orkan interrupted, speaking louder than necessary, cutting off the conversation around them. He got embarrassed, his cheeks quickly turning red, and leaned toward Aestus, speaking more quietly. "I think we should take on as many contracts as possible, level up as quickly as we can."

Aestus looked at his friend with a mix of surprise, confusion, and admiration. Orkan was more proactive than he had anticipated, perhaps due to the amount of crystals they had received, he thought.

"Alright, we can try to take on more than one..." But Orkan was already on his feet, heading towards the notice board, before Aestus could finish.

The two boys approached the board, examining the available contracts. Orkan's eyes kept darting towards the level three contract, ensuring it was still there, as if it would disappear out of nowhere.

"We received another contract while you were away. I have three available for you," Barthos informed them, pointing to the upper left corner of the board. Orkan took the three contracts and placed them on the counter.

"Let's do these," Orkan said, puffing out his chest.

Barthos looked surprised, raising his eyebrows, feeling proud of the Rogue. He asked if they were sure, and both of them answered affirmatively. Barthos quickly made his notes, handing the contracts to the two boys.

"I'm only giving you these contracts because there are no other level one Hunters in the region. It's forbidden to hold contracts just to prevent other Hunters from taking them," Barthos explained. The newcomers nodded. They then grabbed a snack for the afternoon, said their goodbyes, and left the Guild.

After they had distanced themselves, Orkan explained the reason for his haste. He intended to complete the hunts today and possibly reach level three so they could take the contract for the blazing deer early the next day. He also mentioned overhearing the plans of the other Hunters and how it seemed like an easy hunt. Aestus didn't think it was right to eavesdrop on others' conversations, but deep down, he also wanted to take that contract. It would be like a proof of his aptitude for the career, enabling him to help as many people as possible. Once they were on the same page, the two friends scrutinized the new contracts more carefully.

Their tasks included assisting a Chemist in collecting medicinal herbs, finding a lost cat in a nearby forest, and, according to the most recent contract, eliminating pesky rats tormenting a local farmer. They mapped out a route to optimize their service and set off.

***

Aestus and Orkan reached the Guild at the end of the day, with little sunlight remaining in the sky and street lamps already lit. Smoke could be seen rising from various chimneys of the houses, carrying the aroma of dinners being prepared through the windows. They were extremely tired but had a sense of accomplishment. Even the contracts to collect herbs and find the cat had been exhausting, as the contract areas had presented some Creatures to be eliminated. The rookie Hunters had to battle acid slugs, rabid ferrets, and more giant flies. It seemed that wherever there was a contract at the Guild, there were Creatures to be fought. It made sense because otherwise, anyone could have completed the job. This served as a valuable learning experience for both of them, but especially for Orkan.

The two opened the Guild door together, stepping into the welcoming atmosphere. A Bard was playing a tune on a piano, creating a pleasant ambiance. The tables were fuller now, as the Guild also served as a place to meet friends and have a good meal. It was only then that they noticed their state. Their clothes were dirty and torn in several places; Aestus's armor was in tatters; Orkan's hair was all messy, with a few leaves stuck in it; both their faces had dirt smudges; Aestus's left hand bore an ugly burn caused by one of the slugs. But despite looking so ragged, they didn't mind. That's how a true Hunter ended their day (or at least that's how they imagined it). They headed to the counter, where Barthos was already winding down his activities.

"Just in time, boys. Looks like you encountered an acid slug," Barthos said, glancing at Aestus's hand. He whistled and signaled to the bartender, who approached the counter. "This is Waru, our Chemist. He's in charge of the bar and making our potions. Never go on a hunt without a good supply of potions." He turned to the Chemist and said, "Waru, do you have something to take care of this burn?"

The slim and short young man adjusted his glasses, examining the injury. Without a word, he quickly retrieved a vial from his belt and poured its contents over Aestus's hand. A turquoise blue liquid enveloped the burn, alleviating the pain and removing any trace of the slug's slime. There was no sign of injury left on the skin.

"This one's on the house," Waru said in a friendly tone before returning to the bar after Aestus thanked him.

"If these potions are so potent, why don't you use them to fix your knee?" Orkan asked. He had never seen a Chemist in action.

Barthos was about to give a snarky response but realized that the Rogue wasn't asking with ill intent. Rogues were known to be acidic and playful, but Orkan was still very inexperienced.

"After a wound has already healed naturally, no magic can fix it. I couldn't seek help when my knee was destroyed. That's why it's always good to have a Light Mage in your group. Or at least a good stock of Waru's potions," Barthos signaled to the Chemist, who patted his belt full of vials. "Don't make the same mistake I did, boys."

The young men handed over the completed and signed contracts to the towering Knight, who quickly reviewed the information. He then expressed his surprise.

"I've never seen novice Hunters complete four hunts in a day. Heck, it's even rare to see experienced Hunters do that. I think you've found your calling."

The friends looked at each other with pride. After making his notes, Barthos handed over the payments, bringing broad smiles to their faces.

"Good job, lads. If you keep up this pace," Barthos calculated on his fingers, "you'll reach level two in three days."

Orkan's expression changed as if a gust of wind extinguished a candle. He was visibly disappointed but lacked the energy to argue. His shoulders slumped, and he seemed defeated. Aestus grew concerned for his friend and tried to salvage the situation.

"But, Barthos, you saw how easily we managed these hunts. Couldn't we maybe take a level two contract tomorrow? Maybe even an easier level three one?" Aestus asked, displaying his perfect smile and resting both hands on the counter.

"No, absolutely not!" Barthos slammed his enormous hand on the counter, startling everyone in the Guild, even causing the Bard to miss a note on his piano. Aestus jumped back in fright. Barthos then continued more calmly, "Rules are rules, and you will abide by them. You were truly exceptional today, and that's precisely why you should take it slow. It would be a shame to lose two promising Hunters. Take it easy, enjoy the journey, develop new skills."

Aestus lowered his head, agreeing but feeling embarrassed. Barthos ran his hand through the newcomer's hair, consoling him like a father would comfort a child after a scolding. Surprisingly, Orkan wrapped his arms around his friend's shoulders and tried to cheer him up. Aestus corrected his posture and looked proudly at Orkan, who displayed a subtle smile. The two apologized to Barthos and thanked him for the payment before leaving the Guild.

Outside, the night had already fallen. The stars were shining exceptionally bright in the sky, as if applauding the two young men for a job well done. Aestus looked up, imagining what his parents would think of him at this moment. His thoughts were interrupted by Orkan, who was already making plans for the next day.

"Okay, tomorrow we wake up early and head straight to a Blacksmith. They can surely fix our clothes, armor, and weapons in no time. Do they use the same type of magic as the Wizards? No, it must be different... But we also need to get some potions and food. The day could be long."

"Why all that?" Aestus asked, confused. "We don't even know if there will be new contracts. I don't know if you remember, but all the level one contracts were completed today."

Orkan had an inscrutable expression on his face. It was a mix of a mischievous boy who had pulled a prank, along with excitement and pride. He then pulled a paper from his pocket and extended it towards Aestus. It was the contract for the flame deer! Even in the dim streetlight, the large number three in red could be seen in the upper right corner of the page.

"Orkan!!!" Aestus tried to grab the contract, but Orkan kept it out of his reach, tucking it back into his pocket. "We can't do this! We could die or, even worse, be expelled from the Guild!"

Orkan burst into loud laughter at Aestus's inverted values, explaining himself afterward.

"Do you really think you can dangle such a treasure in front of a Rogue and not expect him to steal it? Sorry, friend, it's stronger than me." Orkan placed a hand over his chest, feigning distress.

"Orkan, this is wrong. I thought you were happy with the rewards from the contracts," Aestus replied.

"Oh, don't get me wrong. I was extremely happy," Orkan said, grinning from ear to ear. "But wouldn't this be even better? We'll earn almost ten times what we made today alone. And I don't want to lose to some mediocre Knight and a greasy Wizard. Have you seen his oily hair?"

Aestus looked at his friend incredulously. The payment was indeed tempting, but rules were rules. Orkan was already walking towards his inn, leaving Aestus behind in a state of shock. The Knight quickly composed himself and ran after his friend. Despite walking, Orkan was quite fast, thanks to his long legs.

"Orkan, listen. Let's go back and return that contract. We can say you found it on the ground, that it came loose from the frame. We can't do this," Aestus pleaded.

"I already did it, Aestus. There's no turning back. And one more thing: I'm going on this hunt tomorrow, with or without you," Orkan said, emphasizing his last words.

"You're hopeless, you shameless Rogue," Aestus said, biting his lips and immediately regretting it.

Orkan froze on the spot. For a moment, the only sound was the wind rustling through the leaves of the trees. All the people who had mistreated Orkan in his life flashed through his mind in a matter of milliseconds. Now, he added the image of his best friend to that list, overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions he couldn't even comprehend. Disappointment, sadness, anger, pain, exhaustion... But the worst of all was the feeling that this would happen sooner or later. The only person he trusted also saw him as a lost cause. Orkan stared at the ground, trembling, his right fist clenched tightly.

"You think you're so perfect, don't you? The paragon of truth, the pride of the city of Comanse," Orkan retorted, acidly, turning to face Aestus. "You couldn't resist the opportunity to 'fix' your broken friend, the family's shame."

Aestus began to try to explain himself but was abruptly interrupted.

"Give it up, Aestus. You can't help everyone, fix all the mistakes, be the hero all the time. You can't save the world. You, more than anyone, should know that," Orkan said.

Aestus had been looking at the ground, but he raised his head and stared intently at Orkan. He couldn't possibly mean that... A cold chill ran through Aestus's veins, and the pleasant breeze now felt chilling against his skin.

"I may have all the flaws that a Rogue has," Orkan continued, turning his back. "But at least I wasn't a useless selfish person who let his parents die."

Aestus clutched his chest as if he had been stabbed, releasing a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. All the guilt he had suppressed for so long resurfaced at once. He staggered for a moment, feeling his legs weaken and tears burn his eyes. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Was it just Orkan who thought that? In truth, no. Because Aestus himself knew it was his fault.

The Knight was about to say something to Orkan, but he was no longer there. Aestus didn't even hear his friend leave. Perhaps it was for the best; there wasn't much more to be said. Aestus rubbed his eyes with one hand, taking deep breaths. He returned to his home, feeling like a zombie. Some people were still on the streets, waving to Aestus. However, he didn't hear anything, didn't react to anything. His walk was automatic, robotic.

He entered through the front door, removing his dirty shoes and damaged armor. His house was impeccable, neat, and clean. Yet, it was a replica of Aestus's life: visually perfect but empty. After taking a shower, Aestus tried to watch something on television, but nothing seemed interesting. Only news of Creature attacks, Baruc's latest inventions, discoveries of new mines... In truth, Aestus couldn't focus. He decided to sleep, hoping that the next day would bring a solution to his problems and silence the voices in his head telling him that he was responsible for his parents' deaths.