Chapter 76. The Hunt
"Sir Eugene, I can't reach Sir Owen," Greenwood, a knight of the Reben Knight Order, said as he tucked away his communication orb.
Eugene, who had been walking ahead with a lantern in hand, replied in a disinterested tone, "He said earlier that he was drinking with Young Master Caron. He's probably too busy with the booze to answer."
"Are you sure nothing's wrong?" Greenwood asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"We're out here busting our backs so nothing goes wrong, aren't we? Just stay sharp and keep an eye on your surroundings. Was this forest always this overgrown? I can barely see ahead," Eugene said.
"Yes, Sir," Greenwood answered, diligently scanning the area as he continued walking.
Eugene glanced sideways at him, chuckling softly before saying, "Don't overdo it."
"But it's our mission. We have to give it our best," Greenwood replied.
"How long has it been since you joined the Reben Knight Order?" Eugene asked.
"It's my fifth year since the commander recruited me," Greenwood answered.
"Already in your fifth year... Time sure flies fast. Maybe it's about time you moved on to another order," Sir Eugene said.
Greenwood was one of the rising stars of the Reben Knight Order, a talented knight who had already reached 5-Star at the age of twenty-six. His abilities were so well recognized that even prestigious knight orders from the capital and noble houses had sent offers.
But in a low voice, Greenwood responded, "I don't plan on leaving the order anytime soon."
"Quit pretending. We both know that this order is great for making money, but it's not exactly the best place for a knight to grow. You joined for the money in the first place, didn't you?" Eugene asked.
The Reben Knight Order was far removed from the honorable duties most knight orders upheld. It operated primarily under the orders of the lord, and was often tasked with capturing high-value slaves. Eugene's words weren't far from the truth.
"They do pay well. I doubt any other order could offer this kind of money," Eugene continued.
"Is that why you're still here, sir? For the money?" Greenwood asked.
"Why else would I be here? Haha! Money is the best! I'm not cut out to become a great knight, so I'll rake in what I can before I retire. And you know, hunting slaves is kind of fun. It's like a unique kind of hunt," Eugene replied.
"I agree," Greenwood said. He had gone on a few slave hunts with his seniors. They'd successfully captured a few, including one of the feline beastfolk. Though he'd been clawed in the stomach during the fight, the experience had served as excellent combat training.
Thanks to those hunts, I've improved quite a bit, Greenwood thought.
Unlike other knight orders that stayed confined to their territories, the Reben Knight Order gave its knights a lot of real combat experience. While they didn't have a proprietary sword style or combat techniques like the famous orders, it was a place where one could truly hone one's swordsmanship. Plus, even if they were involved in the illegal slave trade, no one stopped them from being scouted by other orders.
It means we're all in on it together, Greenwood thought.
If word got out about what they did here, a knight's career would be over in an instant. Their shared dark secrets acted as a mutual lock on their lips.
"By the way, that guy named Caron Leston... I used to think he was something else from the rumors, but after actually meeting him, he doesn't seem like much." As Greenwood was lost in thought, Eugene casually brought up the subject of Caron.
Caron Leston was the thirteen-year-old boy who had shocked the capital four years earlier. He was the youngest grandson of Duke Halo, and rumored to be the true heir of the great house.
With a bitter smile, Greenwood replied, "Well, he did defeat Sir Luke of the Imperial Guards when he was just thirteen, didn't he?"
"You really believe that? Sir Luke probably went easy on him because it was just a sparring match. And of course, the Leston family would have spread rumors about it like wildfire. That's how these noble families work. They're always exaggerating their accomplishments," Eugene said. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it using his lantern, taking a deep drag as smoke curled into the dim light.
"And what of it? There were more than just one or two prodigies we've seen over the years. None of them ever amount to much. Look at him now, going around buying elf slaves at his age. Even if he has talent, do you think he's really developing it? No way," he continued.
"...Yes, that's true. He didn't seem all that impressive compared to the rumors," Greenwood admitted.
"Exactly," Eugene said, nodding in agreement.
Greenwood recalled the sight of Caron from earlier. The young man didn't carry himself with the dignity expected of noble blood. His magical presence and aura had been disappointingly ordinary. Despite rumors that he'd 4-Star status at thirteen, it seemed as if Caron hadn't even broken into 5-Star yet. He seemed more like a spoiled novice than the genius people had whispered about.
"Marquis Leandro has really caught a pushover. Haha, that guy's going to be dragged around by us from now on. Later, ask him if he can get us into the Oceanwolf Knight Order. He might even beg his grandfather to keep his secret hidden and safe," Sir Eugene said.
"But the Oceanwolf Knight Order doesn't accept outsiders, Sir," Greenwood pointed out.
"It was a joke, you killjoy." Eugene chuckled, taking another drag from his cigarette before muttering, "But I can guarantee that he'll ruin his entire household one day."
Just then, a voice called out from the darkness. "Smart bastard. How did you figure out that I'm going to wreck my household?"
Startled by the sudden voice, Eugene quickly threw his cigarette to the ground and drew his sword from the scabbard at his waist. He demanded, "...Who's there?"
Greenwood followed suit, unsheathing his own sword.
Moments later, a young man stepped out of the darkness, walking toward them with steady steps.
When Greenwood saw the face of the young man, he stiffened slightly and muttered, "...Young Master Caron?"
"Yeah, that's right. What are you all doing out here?" Caron asked.
Recognizing Caron's voice, Eugene swiftly bowed his head in greeting and answered, "We're searching for any potential threats. But weren't you with our commander, Young Master Caron?"
"I drank too much, so I thought I'd go hunting to sober up," Caron replied nonchalantly.
"Hunting... at this hour?" Eugene lowered his gaze toward the dark, gleaming sword in Caron's hand. The situation made no sense. He wondered where the commander was, and why Caron was alone in the forest.
"Where is the commander, Young Master Caron?" he asked. Something felt strange. Eugene wasn't sure if it was due to Caron's eerie sword, but he continuously felt shivers running down his spine.
"Your commander can't seem to handle his liquor. He passed out after thirty minutes," Caron said with a slight laugh.
Eugene immediately knew that was a lie. The commander was a 6-Star knight, which meant one was practically a master. The idea that he'd get drunk in thirty minutes was nonsense.
...Why is he lying? Eugene thought. Although he couldn't figure out Caron's motives, one thing was clear. The young man before him was dangerous. He could sense it, the thick aura of killing intent.
"Please put your sword down, right now," Eugene warned.
"And if I don't?" Caron replied with a smirk.
Eugene gripped his sword tighter and shouted, "Then I'll force you—!"
But before Eugene could finish his sentence, Caron's sword glinted in the pale moonlight, and a single line of dark blue light cut through the air.
In an instant, Eugene raised his blade, but it was too late.
Thud.
Sir Eugene's head hit the ground, severed cleanly from his body. Greenwood, who had watched the scene unfold from just behind him, froze in place.
...What is going on? Greenwood thought. He wondered if this was some kind of nightmare, but the sharp, metallic smell of blood in the air was far too real.
"At least you two are better than your commander. That fool died without even realizing he was in danger. He must have been the most pathetic 6-Star knight I've ever seen," Caron remarked. Although he had just decapitated Eugene with a single stroke, he turned his gaze to Greenwood while smiling casually.
"How old are you? You look pretty young." His voice was unnervingly light for someone who had just killed a man.
Greenwood pointed his sword at Caron and slowly backed away. He asked, "Why... Why are you doing this?"
"I told you. I'm out hunting," Caron answered.
Greenwood knew there was no way he could win. He had to escape. His mind screamed at him to run, but his feet only moved backward; he was too afraid to turn his back on Caron. He knew that if he did, his neck would meet the same fate as Eugene's.
"Why are you trying to kill us?" Greenwood asked, staring at Caron.
Caron smiled warmly as he answered, "Do hunters need a reason to kill their prey? What, do you think having a reason would make your death more meaningful?"
"It doesn't matter if you're the grandson of Duke Halo! Do you think you'll get away with this kind of ruthless murder?" Greenwood shouted, trying to reason with him.
"Thanks for the concern," Caron said, amused. "Hearing you talk like that makes me think I should kill everyone else, too."
He began to walk toward Greenwood, his steps slow and deliberate.
Greenwood's face went pale as he stared at Caron approaching. He had to do something. He couldn't just die here. But all he heard was the ominous hum of Caron's sword.
Whoosh.
A flow of mana began to surge from Greenwood. But Caron, unfazed, continued to walk forward as he spoke. "You people have captured humans and other races for your personal reasons, to make money, right? I'm no different. I want to kill you for my own personal reasons."
Greenwood thought Caron's words were nothing but twisted logic. And yet, Caron paid no mind to his reaction.
"So you shouldn't feel wronged," Caron continued in a low and calm voice.
Greenwood thought there was no way the lives of some nameless people could hold the same value as his bright future.
Just once. If I can land just one strike...! he thought.
Perhaps he could buy himself enough time to escape. His gaze locked onto Caron's mail and plate armor. It was made from high-grade alloy, which meant it wasn't overly heavy, but surely it wouldn't be as quick to move in as his own leather armor.
The legs, Greenwood thought. Caron's legs were wide open, unguarded and exposed.
He took a deep breath, then executed his plan.
Whirrr —!
Without hesitation, Greenwood charged straight at Caron, who was casually walking forward without any defensive stance. His sword aimed swiftly for Caron's legs.
Caron seemed to expect it, effortlessly parrying the blade to the side. But Greenwood wasn't rattled in the least. He twisted his body.
Now's the time, he thought.
Using his mana-boosted speed, he spun and brought his blade crashing down on Caron's shin.
Slice —.
He felt the satisfying sensation of his blade cutting through something. But that was it.
Flaaash—!
Without wasting a second, Greenwood bolted in the opposite direction at full speed. He didn't stop to confirm the damage. There wasn't time for that. All he could do was run, squeezing every last ounce of strength he had.
I definitely struck him, but I can't escape completely, he thought.
He believed that the attack would have bought him enough time to make a break for it. The Tirisfal Forest was vast, filled with dense trees that swallowed even the light from lanterns. For Caron to track him so precisely in this maze-like forest could only mean one thing.
He has some kind of tracking ability, Greenwood thought.
No matter how fast he ran, eventually, he would be caught. On top of that, Caron likely had allies in the forest. Escaping now only meant fleeing the immediate danger.
He didn't take long to make the right choice. Biting his lip, Greenwood reached into his pocket and pulled out a short-range communication orb.
"This is an emergency situation! Caron Leston has murdered Sir Eugene. The commander is likely to be dead as well," he said.
A moment later, several voices came through the communicator.
"Greenwood? What are you talking about?"
"This isn't a funny joke, Greenwood."
Thankfully, it seemed Caron hadn't yet reached the others. Greenwood exhaled softly and spoke quickly. "I'm currently fleeing from Caron Leston. I can't explain in detail right now. We need to regroup at Assembly Point Two and face him together. Does anyone have a long-range communicator? We need to report this immediately!"
"The commander has the long-range communicator!"
"Can you at least explain properly..."
"Alright for now. We'll meet at Assembly Point Two and hear the full story there."
"Everyone, be careful," Greenwood muttered under his breath. For now, the best option was to regroup with the other knights. What had just happened was a sudden ambush, a one-sided attack. But if they all confronted Caron together, perhaps they'd have a chance. It was their best hope of survival.
I can't die here, Greenwood thought as he clenched his fist tightly, then sprinted into the forest, disappearing into the shadows.
***
Caron quietly watched Greenwood's retreating figure as the knight fled with all his might.
"He went straight for the legs. It was good, quick thinking on his part," Caron mused. Though Greenwood's sword had managed to graze his leg, it had only scratched the surface, so his movement remained unaffected.
"Why didn't you just kill him outright? You could've easily taken his head," Guillotine, the sentient cursed sword, grumbled with dissatisfaction.
Caron clicked his tongue in response and said, "A true hunt requires pushing the prey to the absolute limit before the final strike. That's how you hunt, you ignorant blade."
"Don't act like it's some hunting principle. You're just indulging your twisted taste, Owner," Guillotine retorted.
"What's the harm? It's not often you get the chance to kill them all in one go," Caron said. He absentmindedly fiddled with the communication device he'd taken from Owen's corpse, a faint smile curling on his lips.
"Let them feel what it's like to be hunted," he said.
Memories of his previous life, and the days he had spent living as a wretched slave, flashed through Caron's mind. Those who had never been slaves would never understand. The hell of living through a life where only death brought peace, where only death offered escape...
"Now it's their turn," Caron said.
For them, the nightmare was just beginning.