4 Chapter Four: An Encounter with an Alumnus

6 Months Later...

"Being a demon hunter isn't easy. One must need courage and wisdom to face deadly foes."

Matthaius spoke as he warns the newly inducted demon hunter about what the future has in store.

"Since the beginning, I am confused why you decided to take that violin case with you."

Together with his cold eyes, Granger spoke with a monotonous tone.

"This case isn't as normal as it used to be. Do you wanna take a look inside?"

"I'd rather not. Anyways, after several months of training, you've proven your worth that you can wander around and become a demon hunter outside the gates. Go on young man! Start off a life you won't regret!"

Matthaius was about to leave when...

"Old man, may I ask?"

The officer was surprised!

"Ummm sure? what is it?" Mathhaius seems uncertain about his response.

"Several years ago you told me that you recognized my parents' assailant. Would you mind sharing it to me?"

Matthaius frowned.

"I sure recognized the demon by its appearance. He's one of those Generals who has the ability to swallow light and travel through space in a blink of an eye. He lurks through the darkness, as he slashes your parents with his deadly blades coming from its wrist. If I was mistaken, he was one of the infamous race which sold their souls from the ruler of the abyss."

Granger kept silent as turns his back carrying his violin case from his right and and his pistol to his right.

"Eye for an eye."

The last words he left as Granger parted from his new mentor's vision.

He is now ready to take on and find his parents' suspected assailant.

Outside the walls of the empire isn't all that friendly at all. Along the way are different types of monsters which are considered as "neutral". They were composed of Spinners, Reapers, River Crabs, Goblins, Ghost Mages, Giant Mouthed Beasts, Core Guards, Statued Shockers, Crimson Lizard, Pioneers and many more. Yet, their dreadful appearance didn't startled him since he mostly faced the likes of them during the thieves' pursuit few months back.

Day after day, he's gaining a lot of experience wandering around, killing demons along the way. He roams around searching for demons lurking around caves and forests.

Every time he got bored, he'll just sit under a tree or beside a rock, playing his violin. All the things his late mentor had taught him, remembered it well. In fact, he even used it as a weapon against enemies. His lousy playing became handy enough to bother demons. Making them lose their focus and flee.

This occurrence continued from time to time and thus earned the title, "The Vagrant Poet"! Using his instrument to distract enemies then hunt them down without mercy.

While taking a nap in the woods, the then silent atmosphere was immediately filled with tension.

Granger opened his eyes took his weapon and made a defensive stance.

He can feel it! A stranger is lurking around!

He grabbed his violin case waiting for something to happen.

Then…

"Let me show you the art of killing!"

From the brush came a man carrying a blue sword, charging towards him. He is wearing a sky blue leather jacket and has white hair. He looks like he's on his late 20s. His eyes were cold as a murderer! His right hand carrying the sword is made up of a demonic claw.

Granger dashed back and released six gunshots as his counter attack!

ALL MISSED!

The stranger vanished from his sight immediately!

He turned swiftly changed his position and dashed out from the open. But,

"Hiiiyaaa!"

The man is already beside him and is about to swing his sword at him! Fortunately, he safely dashed out the second time!

"Hey…not bad!" compliments the stranger.

Granger reloads his gun immediately but the stranger charged towards him, knocking his pistol away and pointed the sword towards his neck!

Granger couldn't move a muscle!

It was a moment of silence for a bit there.

"Who are you?!"

The stranger smirked and while he shakes his head.

"So you're the famous Vagrant Poet? Not bad for a young kid!"

"What do you mean?"

"People in the empire are talking lots of things about you. A young demon hunter who uses his long barreled pistol while carrying a violin case. Roaming around the forest killing demons mercilessly."

"Then, who are you?!"

"Easy kid, I'm on the same side as yours. Anyways, my name's Alucard and I am a demon hunter myself. I also work for the empire, In fact, I came from the monastery of light as well!"

"What do you want?"

"Well, I got curious about the man behind the name HOMELSS POET as what the citizens of the empire addresses you."

"You're not a good liar."

"Fine, you got me. I just got an Intel from one of my scouts saying that a group of Abyssal Demons are on their way to the Askati Forest. They plan to diminish the crow people!"

"Why would you bother coming to me? You aren't boasting, are you?"

"Of course not! It was second-in-command Matthaius who suggested I should see and ask for your assistance!"

"Couldn't do it alone?!"

"I could, however, it's the Queen of the apocalypse, Alice were talking here. What's more, she even brought Helcurt. One of those generals the dark abyss can produce. The demon who is responsible for your parent's deaths. Matthaius told me. To be honest, its a tough job even for me."

Granger's eyes became enraged with anger and determination!

"Alright, I'm in!"